So, Christina Aguilera killed it at Etta James' funeral with her rendition of "At Last." It was respectful, heartfelt, and totally classy. Something that wasn't totally classy about the pop star's performance, though, was the dark brown, oily substance running down her legs -- which, FYI, was only self-tanner.

Whether it was due to excessive sweating because of nerves, excessive sweating because of the unseasonably hot weather in California, or plain old cheap, crappy self-tanner, this never should have happened. Not to Christina. Not to anyone.

I'm all about self-tanner. Seriously, I love it. Yeah, it's a pain in the butt to apply, but when done right, it's a fantastic alternative to the real, cancer-causing, wrinkle-inducing deal. But "done right" is the imperative phrase here, people. Self-tanning lotions, creams, sprays, and towels can be your best friend when you're in need of some color -- or your orange arch-nemesis.

First thing's first when applying self-tanner: Exfoliation. I'm sure you've heard this before -- and I'm sure you've ignored this crucial step, as it's sort of annoying -- but, trust me, it's essential. Exfoliation is the one thing that can give you a gorgeous, even-toned, long-lasting tan job. Just buy a bottle of cheapo St. Ives and go for it in the shower. Your legs will thank you.

Next, don't do the self-tanning thing if you've got a party or event that day. Do it a day or two before. (The two-day rule especially applies if you're going for a professional spray tan.) You don't want to just throw on a coat of whatever and head out the door -- most likely, it will rub off onto your clothes. Or, as in Christina's rare (weird) case, drip down your leg.

I feel bad for Christina. Not only did this embarrassing mishap occur while she was paying tribute to one of her idols, she's now the subject of many an Internet joke. But it was totally avoidable. This didn't have to happen to her. She should have just applied the stuff two days before her performance. And, of course, exfoliated.

Have you ever had an embarrassing self-tanning blunder? Do you self-tan at all?

Image via Splash

One look at any fashion magazine this month will show you an upcoming spring hair trend that I'm LOVING.

Check out Coco Rocha's messy updo in Longchamp's latest ad, held back with an elasticized headband.

It's a classy, feminine look that's also very mom-friendly.

I'm thinking I could do this 'do in under five minutes, and I love that the headband can offer a little volume and interest in the front -- I hate that slicked-back look.

Check out more photos of this pretty hair trend and find out where to get the look for less ... after the jump!

Then tell me in the comments if you'll be sporting this look in the spring!

Louis Vuitton is also featuring the hairstyle in its spring ad campaign -- and plenty of high fashion designers are offering crystal and feather-embellished elasticized hairbands right now for up to $900!

However, it's possible to get the look for far, far less.

Obviously, your drugstore will have simple elasticized hairbands for only a few dollars, and those work just fine -- but if you want something a little more upscale, check out these options ...

I'm crazy about this delicate swallow headband (Topshop, $20). It is now on my wishlist.

And this Tasha Vintaged Crystal Headband (Nordstrom, $38) is calling my name!

This French Connection Three-Chain Headband (ASOS, $14.32 on sale) comes at a great price.

And this Lipsy Floral Garden Style Headband (ASOS, $21.49) may be my favorite of the bunch.

Suddenly, I'm getting very excited about spring!

How about you? Will you rock this look when the weather gets warmer?

Images via Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Topshop, Nordstrom, ASOS, ASOS

New legislation out of California today forces Brazilian blowout products to list their potentially hazardous materials on the label. It's great news if you're into staying away from hair products that contain possible carcinogens, bad news if you just want your hair silky and straight and prefer to be kept in the dark about what nasty things it could be doing to your health.

The new labels will inform users that formaldehyde gas is emitted during use, which has been proven in some cases to cause cancer. It's not only unhealthy for women who use it on their own hair, but also for hairstylists who inhale the product when they use it on clients. Part of the settlement requires companies to hand out pamphlets to salons on how to stay safe while using the stuff.

OK. Can we just accept our curly hair already and stop using this junk?

And I'm talking to myself here, too. When I lived in Rio de Janeiro for a couple of months, I got my hair blown out literally three times a week. In the humidity down there, and here in NYC, for that matter, we curly-haired ladies know all about the poof-ball that sprouts from our follicles once there's an ounce of moisture in the air. And in Brazil, where the blowouts contained silicone and formaldehyde, cost about $3, and turned your hair into gorgeous, fine silk that was irresistible to the touch, a young woman might look the other way when it comes to the content's scary health hazards.

Fact of the matter is, I had no idea until later what the "secret" ingredient was that transformed me from looking like Monica Geller in the Bahamas (you know that Friends episode where her hair's out to here) to a lovely lady on the town, but now that I know, I'm sort of just waiting for my third eye to emerge. I mean, yikes. Three times a week, people.

It's great that the new labels will better inform users what they're getting in to, but the best way to stay safe is to just, simply, embrace your curls. Curls aren't dangerous, they're not going to give you cancer, and you know what, they're pretty cute, too. Most of the time.

Have you used a Brazilian blowout product that contains formaldehyde? Does it alarm you, or not so much?

Photo via kooklanekookla/Flickr

Did Michelle Obama spend $50,000 on fancy lingerie at Agent Provocateur? OMG, DID SHE?!? Enquiring minds want to know! And the answer is, NO. Of course she didn't. But that didn't stop the Telegraph from claiming it in a blog post anyway.

Mrs. O paid a visit to the shop with the Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah, last year, and we don't really know how much they spent -- or if Michelle bought anything at all. As for that $50K claim, I don't know where the Telegraph got that figure. Probably out of their a** They must have extrapolated something from the retailer's market reports or maybe just attributed Sheikha Mozah's bill to the First Lady.

Here's what the White House press secretary Jay Carney had to say about the story:

At least when I was a reporter, usually the standard for British tabloid reporting was the assumption that it was false. In this case, it’s utterly false, and it’s irresponsible of an American news organization to repeat the story, even allowing that it could be true. So it’s wrong.

A representative for Agent Provocateur told the Daily Mail, "Recent claims regarding Michelle Obama and purchases made at an Agent Provocateur boutique are incorrect."

And let's do a little math. Undies at Agent Provocateur can run around $200 each. So let's say the First Lady went bananas and bought a two-week supply: That's $2,800. Quite the splurge, but we're a long ways from $50K. There are a few $1,000 nighties. So let's say she bought, what, 50 of them? I'm sorry, I just can't take this seriously anymore. I'm with The Gloss: I think the story is bogus.

I'm sure there are people out there who are so down on the Obamas in general that they'll believe any ludicrous nonsense about Mrs. O. Haters gonna hate! But you know what? I kind of hope the First Lady did pick up a few frilly things while she was there. If I could drop that kind of coin on Agent Provocateur froufrou, I definitely would. Who am I to deny the First Lady a little indulgence?

Do you think it's any of your business how much the First Lady spends on her underwear?

Image via SplashNews

It's really hard for me to accept the notion that swimsuit season is just around the corner. Hell, I'm still working on getting rid of those few extra holiday pounds. While I may not be ready for wet summer fun, it seems like the Kardashian gals are. Yesterday, Kim tweeted a sneak peek of her fresh out of a photo shoot wearing one of the suits from their Spring Kardashian Kollection swim line at Sears. Let me tell you something, from what I can see -- I adore it. Can you say sexy?! Kim looks dynamite.

Seriously, the suit Kim's wearing seams to have all of the basics I look for when I'm shopping for that dreaded bikini. Except honestly, I just haven't had the kahunas to buy something that bright ... well ... ever. 

More from The Stir: Kim Kardashian Wears Ultimate Male Sex Fantasy Outfit

That's the funny thing about bathing suits, isn't it? Even though I (and perhaps you, too) can get over the notion that I'm showing more skin than I would like in a public setting, I still can't jump onto the bright color bandwagon. Every year I go shopping for a new suit, and every year it's usually black.

Just like the best of 'em, I have my own set of credentials for my ideal swim style. After getting over the fact that my stomach's going to be exposed, my No. 1 swimsuit must-have: underwire. Triangle tops never sit well on me, and as a woman with a little more lovin' on top, I need to support the girls. My ideal suit also needs to have a stretchy bottom, as not to create extra love handles, and opposite of Real Housewife Brandi Glanville, must FULLY cover my backside. That wish list isn't too much to ask for, right?

It seems to me like Kim's suit has all of those things, with a hint of some serious sex appeal. If I can move away from my go-to black options, it would be perfect! Plus, there's no denying that coral looks amazing on anyone with a tan. If the entire Kardashian Kollection looks like what Kim's flaunting, I have a feeling I'll be heading to Sears as soon as it's out.

What do you look for in the perfect bathing suit? Would you buy a suit from the Kardashian Kollection?

Image via Splash News

Octavia Spencer may have a SAG award and an Oscar nomination, but girl's still just like us. She tortures herself in the name of beauty and goes to extreme lengths to make sure she looks her best. The Help actress told Ellen DeGeneres that she squeezed into not one, not two, but three pairs of Spanx under that gorgeous Tadashi Shoji gown. Octavia may have won a SAG award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, but her Spanx won a trophy for Best Supporting Role on an Actress.

You know, I'm starting to think that Spanx are the new stiletto. Super high heels are painful, pinchy night-ruiners, and so are those godforsaken sucky-inny undergarments. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Octavia told Ellen all about her painful experience:

I could not party that night because I was being pinched in places that I didn't know it was possible. I ran into Melissa [and] said, "Oh my God, Melissa, I'm about to die. My Spanx are killing me." She said, "I just went to the bathroom and took mine off!"

Been there, done that, Melissa. On more than one occasion, I've slipped into a stall, peeled off the Spanx and probably a layer or two of skin, and stuffed the evil-doers into my purse. When I used to wear those sexy, strappy, impossibly high heels, I used to shed those, too, by the end of the night.

A lot of us think we need stilettos and Spanx to look great, but really, there comes a time where you have to start weighing what's most important to you: Looking a little bit taller and slimmer and leaving the party at 9 p.m.? Or looking your normal height and weight, feeling comfortable, and enjoying the night, the whole night, pain free.

Octavia took it to the next level by wearing three pairs of Spanx (I think that's actually a torture tactic used at Guantanamo), so it's no surprise she was suffering, but we've all been there in some way or another. I don't know, as I get older, I'm less tolerant of putting up with pain for any sort of beauty advantage. My focus is more on optimizing my fun, not optimizing my look.

I bet Octavia won't wear three pairs of Spanx to the Academy Awards. I'm sure some sort of lesson was learned at the SAG awards. I'm sure that if she wins that Oscar, she'll want to enjoy the night to its fullest. And Spanx don't let you do that, my friends.

How do you "torture" yourself for beauty? Spanx? High heels? What else?

Photo via Jason Merritt/Getty

Dealing with weight fluctuations is something that pretty much every woman goes through at one point or another during her life. And when that number on the scale does plunge, the last thing we gals want to hear is people questioning our motivation behind wanting to slim down.

Most women are given a huge pat on the back followed by exclamations of "You Go Girl!" after losing a few pounds and adapting a healthier lifestyle, but former plus-sized model Crystal Renn is sure taking a lot of heat for dropping from a size 14 to a size 6.

Crystal Renn is getting way more than slight criticism about her new, thinner frame. She has former colleagues basically demanding an explanation for why she felt the need to whittle her waistline. It seems as though the only justification some are willing to accept, however, is that she was looking to make a few extra bucks off the pounds she lost.

Madeline Jones, PLUS Model magazine's Editor in Chief, told Radar Online:

She should have said she wasn’t comfortable in her skin anymore and wanted to make more money. Instead she has deceived us and we feel insulted! It would be great for her to come out with a better explanation, though I doubt we will get one.

Ms. Jones' frustrations really seem to go a little bit deeper than being upset that Crystal has booked more modeling gigs since dropping a few sizes. She is suggesting money was the main source of motivation for Crystal's amazing body transformation. Could it be that good ol' dollar signs are also the reason Ms. Jones is calling Crystal's bluff?

It sounds like Crystal was once a great inspiration for readers of PLUS Model magazine. Jones seemed to think pretty highly of her before her weight loss:

After Emme, Crystal was the biggest plus size supermodel in our era and a lot of readers aspired to be like her.

Was Crystal Renn also a huge source of revenue for the publication? It sure sounds like it. The bigger issue here may be a noticeable drop in magazine subscriptions, not Crystal's new dress size.

Does any woman really need to offer up a reason for wanting to look and feel better about her body?

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty

I wanted to BE Dianna Agron at the SAG Awards on Sunday night.

Not only did she look amazing in a gorgeous fuchsia Carolina Herrera gown, but her hair!

I was loving the braid-as-headband look she was rocking. And she was just one of several celebs sporting the look that night --

Kaley Cuoco, Busy Philipps, and Renee Bargh all wore crown braids as well (you can see all of the looks here), and I honestly can't decide which of them looked best.

This is a lovely look for spring and summer, and it's actually fairly easy to do yourself, particularly if you have longer hair.

If you have shorter hair, you might just want to invest in a braided headband that closely matches the color of your own hair.

YouTube has several great tutorials on crown braids. Check them out after the jump -- then tell me in the comments if you'll try this look out!

For those of you with super long hair, this look couldn't be easier to get. Check out this tutorial:

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

For medium-length hair, the look takes some practice, but it is possible to get a pretty, Dianna Agron-style crown braid updo:

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

She makes it look so easy, doesn't she?!

If you have short hair or you're pressed for time, you can simply buy a braided headband. These Thin Braidies (Ulta, $8) are totally inexpensive and come in four colors. I've seen similar braided bands at the drugstore in the haircare section. If it's matched up to your hair color, no one will ever know it's not your real hair!

So ... what do you think of the crown braid?

Image via Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images, Ulta

Sofia Vergara is being hailed yet again for her amazing curves now that she's been named the hottest woman of 2012 by AskMen.com.

The 39-year-old mom and Modern Family actress landed at the top of a list featuring some incredibly high-profile names, including Miranda Kerr, Kate Upton, Rooney Mara, and Kim Kardashian. But despite such stiff competition from those younger stars, few would be surprised that men find Sofia totally hot. What guy wouldn't drool over that voluptuous body?

So while there's no doubt that Sofia's sexy figure helped win her the most votes, she also has a secret weapon for looking her best and exuding the confidence needed to be crowned queen of all hotties.

Her spot-on fashion sense and knowing what works for her figure is what really did the trick.

Unlike many of her counterparts in Hollywood, Sofia doesn't base her bold style choices on what other celebrities are wearing or what happens to be trendy during any given season. Instead, she opts for pieces that flatter her body shape, making her appear even more attractive.

Because she's curvy, Sofia tends to choose fitted looks rather than the looser, flowy garments that are popular among celebs these days. By wearing clothes that hug her body rather than hide it, she's able to show off her best assets without looking cheap or flashy.

While walking the red carpet, Sofia is often seen in strapless gowns that showcase her hourglass figure versus the A-line or Empire cuts that would make her look larger than she actually is. While those styles flatter pear-shaped and slim women, they tend to add bulk to those who don't need any help in the curves department. Sofia really knows how to flaunt what she's got and she plays up her best features instead of drawing attention away from them. That's a great tactic we can all use when getting dressed, regardless of our shape.

It's hard enough for moms to keep up with fashion trends, let alone be able to adapt and alter them each and every season. Vergara inspires us to stick to clothes that suit our body types -- and that's the best style advice of all.

Do you keep up with style trends as they change, or do you opt for classic pieces that fit your body? 

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty

When you think of the military, you don't exactly think stylish, trendy, or fashionable -- right? That's exactly why it's a tad ironic that, for years now, they've actually been ahead of the fashion curve with their standard issue Birth Control Glasses (BCGs). OK, that's not their real name. Technically referred to as "S9s," the brown thick-rimmed prescription glasses allegedly make the wearer "so unattractive" that snagging a member of the opposite sex is pretty darn hard.

Now, the military is swapping out their old "unattractive" specs for smaller, thinner framed "5A" glasses. If you ask me, I think someone must have forgot to put their glasses on. Hellooooo! Men in thick-rimmed glasses are H-O-T.

I can't help myself. I have always had this lame crush on men that wear dark-framed glasses. You know the ones I'm talking about, don't you? Think Clark Kent style, thick frames. A regular average Joe wearing them? Cute. But GOSH! A man in uniform wearing them? I'm actually drooling just thinking about it. Plus, they're so much better than the new ones:

Thus, I present you with four GOOD reasons why the military shouldn't kill off Birth Control Glasses:

1. They're so in! Seriously, everyone is rockin' thick-rimmed frames lately, even if they don't need a prescription (I'm totally guilty). Stores like Forever 21 and H&M are selling inexpensive, non-prescription pairs, which means they've got to be cool, right?

2. A good pair of glasses help their wearer friends, not enemies. As I said, men and women who wear thick-rimmed glasses don't only look uber attractive, but inherently look a tad more intelligent. Sport a pair of the old BCGs out on the field, and you automatically have a conversation piece.

3. They work! I'm all for the old saying "If something's not broken, don't fix it." Our soldiers have been wearing these glasses for years now, and they seemed to be doing just fine. What's the point of mixing them up now?

4. More coverage area. This one's not rocket science. Bigger glasses = more coverage. More coverage = more eye protection. Shouldn't protection be our No. 1 concern?

Do you think men who wear glasses are sexy?

Photo courtesy U.S. Army

There seems to be a serious beauty blunder sweeping Hollywood these days, and it isn't pretty: Self-tanning mishaps. It was only a few days ago that Christina Aguilera performed "At Last" at Etta James' funeral -- while trails of brown oily tanning cream dripped down her leg, causing a flurry of online mockery and speculation. And now we've got the usually-classy Keira Knightley. And her blotchy, spotty back.

Keira stepped out on Tuesday for the premiere of A Dangerous Method looking gorgeous as always. The actress donned a fitted, deep red Burberry gown, Chanel jewels, and Louboutin heels. But when she turned around to model the open back for photographers, it was a spray-tan-gone-wrong extravaganza.

Can you see it? Do you see the cacophony of orange and milky white swirls on Ms. Knightley's back? What happened there? Wasn't there a stylist or a co-executive spray tanner around to spot the faux pas and say, "Hey, maybe you should change dresses or throw on a shawl or stand against a wall all night?" How could this have happened twice in one Hollywood week?

I guess the bright side of these bronzing mistakes is that female celebrities are eschewing real tans or real fake tans from salons in favor of lotions and creams these days. Of course, nothing will ever beat the genuine, golden-brown glow one gets from baking in the sun for hours on end -- at least in my opinion -- but hey, these are much safer. People just need to learn how to apply them. I know celebs are trend-setters and all, but I don't think oily brown liquid dripping down one's leg will ever really catch on.

Do you ever use self-tanning creams or lotions? Have you ever gotten a spray tan?

Image via Splash

Rooney Mara is not only the girl with the dragon tattoo, but she's kind of the girl that just won't go away. I feel like she's everywhere these days, attending premiere after premiere after premiere, awards show after awards show ... everywhere. It doesn't bother me too much, though, because I happen to love whatever she wears. It's generally a bit edgy with a touch of softness, and her outfits are mostly something I'd like to wear myself.

Take Rooney's look during a promotional tour in Tokyo. She paired a white Givenchy blouse with black H&M pants. Rad, right? Fancy on top, party on the bottom. Her ensemble brings up a good point, though. Great black pants don't have to cost a fortune, and they'll go with anything, even multi-thousand dollar tops. So here are five great pairs that would work wonders in any woman's wardrobe.

These are totally something Lisbeth Salander would wear. A little slouchy, super comfortable, and totally stylish, this pair for $17 is a steal.

Do not underestimate the power of a high-waisted black pant. Do. Not. Once you find a pair you like, you'll wear them five times a week.

These are a little more jazzed up, which is always fun. The gold zipper detail is a nice touch on this classic pair of black pants.

Speaking of basic, it doesn't get anymore basic than this. And that's a good thing if you're looking for versatility and timelessness.

Harem pants are less everyday, but at this price, snatch them up and wear them all year round. They look super fancy and they're less than $25 -- sounds like a deal to me.

Do you have a pair of black pants you love? What kind?

Photo via Koki Nagahama/Getty and courtesy photos

A few days ago, Kim Kardashian tweeted a photo of herself with newly-brightened locks, along with the message: "I dyed my hair lighter yesterday! I'm loving it! New hair color=new beginnings for me." The change wasn't a drastic one for the reality star -- it appears she just added some honey-toned highlights -- but still, it really freshens up her look. And although I've always been partial to a dark-haired Kim, I've gotta admit, it totally suits her.

But what made her go from her famous raven tresses to a lighter, brighter style? Why, her divorce from Kris Humphries of course. Homegirl got herself a break-up 'do. And she couldn't have made a smarter move. Except, you know, maybe not getting married in the first place.

First of all, there's the fact that Kim got a break-up 'do period. I commend her for that in and of itself. Most celebs take part in much more detrimental behavior after going through a break-up. A simple change of color is nothing compared to what, say, Demi Moore or Lindsay Lohan did after getting out of relationships. Imagine if Demi just added some choppy layers after her break up with Ashton, or if Lindsay just cut some bangs when she and Samantha Ronson called it quits -- they'd both be in much better positions than they are now. And they'd look super cute.

More from The Stir: Kim Kardashian Admits the 'Ugly' Truth and Makes Us Like Her More (VIDEO)

And then there's the fact that Kim didn't go too drastic. You don't want to, in a fit of anger/sadness/rage/whatever, cut all your hair off, or go from platinum blonde to the blackest black. What Kim wanted was a pick me up -- sorry, a "new beginning" -- adding some subtle highlights was the perfect way to go about it. Sure, she'll probably get sick of them soon and go back to her darker hair, but when she decides that she wants to, really, it won't be that big of a deal.

And that's how you rock a break-up 'do, ladies. What.

Do you like Kim's new hair? Have you ever changed your hair after a break-up?

Image via Splash

Rachel Zoe has named the corset belt as one of spring's hottest trends, and ...

Eh, I don't know.

I'm not sure I'm feeling this one -- particularly for spring.

I don't know about you, but spring gets pretty warm around here. The last thing I want around my waist is a thick piece of leather.

However, not all corset belts are quite as wide as the $139 Newport News version to your left.

See some more options after the jump, then tell me in the comments if you'll be wearing this Zoe-endorsed trend when the weather gets warmer!

This woven stretch corset belt (Bebe, $49) is a thinner, less-expensive version, but if you're looking for a low-cost version of the look, you're going to have a hard time finding it. Most corset belts up for sale now are FAR more expensive.

I'm actually digging this Jean Paul Gaultier corset belt (Farfetch, $605.50) for a sexy night out, but I'm not willing to shell out six Benjamins for the look!

Then there's this Luisaviaroma corset belt, up for grabs for just $1,308. Ummmm. Thanks, but no thanks.

Your best bet right now will be ordering one of the trio of corset belts offered for $45 apiece at Victoria's Secret. Not really feeling this look at low-cost, though.

How about you? Are you a fan of the corset belt trend for spring?

Images (top to bottom): Newport News, Bebe, Farfetch, Luisaviaroma, Victoria's Secret

It's February and we can't help but dream of jetting down to Miami and leaving the cold, gray skies behind. Ah, sunshine would be nice, wouldn't it? The rays could crack off this layer of dry skin and ice that's been covering us since early December. But alas, here on Groundhog Day, that god awful rodent weatherman let us down and saw his shadow, which means there are six more weeks of winter. Thanks oodles, Punxsutawney Phil. I guess all we can do is dream about the summer, and shorts, and tanks, and flip flops.

Speaking of flip flops (like that segue, do ya?), I saw these and I think we need to talk about them. They're from Sazzi, a self-proclaimed "toe motion footwear" company, and they're so hideous, they make those five-toe running shoes look stylish. How could they do this to summer's coolest and most casual accessory?

It just doesn't feel right. Flip flops do not deserve to be treated like this. They're not active wear, they're beach wear slash office wear if you're a slob like me. Nothing about them should be healthy or supportive -- the best ones cost $1 and are found in bins at your local drug store.

The flip flop community took a hard blow this morning with the terrible news that groundhog shared, and now this. It feels unfair, somehow, like the world is against us who love a rubber thong sandal.

So, obviously, this pair should be burned at the stake. Maybe on a stake over Pux-a-whatever Phil's little house. They are ugly and offensive and silly -- if you want to go hiking, wear shoes. Your toes don't need to be seen. The end.

Have you seen uglier shoes than this?

Photo via sazzi.com

Good grief. What in the world is Christie Brinkley drinking? There's seriously a good chance that she's consuming some sort of elixir sent down by the gods or has found the actual Fountain of Youth or something like that.

Christie is 58 years old today -- Groundhog Day -- and even though she is approaching 60, she gives most 30-somethings a run for their money in the hotness department. There has to be some sort of explanation for how she's managed to stop the aging process -- besides her usual that she's been blessed with good genes.

So what exactly is her anti-aging secret?

Christie has been fairly vocal about the fact that since she was 12 years old, she has followed a super strict vegetarian diet. She gets more than her fair share of dark, leafy greens, fresh fruits, and vegetables throughout the day, and it also sounds like she rarely splurges on treats. Hmm. That doesn't sound like much fun. But if a clean, plant-based diet will take 30 years off when we're in our 50s, maybe giving up that fat steak for dinner isn't such a bad idea. Then again, it's kind of a toss-up as to whether there's more satisfaction in good looks than in a good piece of beef.

Christie also credits her regular workouts using Total Gym, a product she endorses, with keeping her muscles young. Kudos to Total Gym for landing the brand ambassador of the century in Christie. I'll buy one right now if it means I'll look like her after using it. Is there some sort of money-back guarantee?

In addition to a great diet and exercise regimen, of course, Christie has her own anti-aging vegan skin care line. Her products work based on something she calls a "DNA Renewal System." But does that mean the face creams are somehow infused with her actual (amazing) DNA?

Probably not. But considering the fact that Christie's beauty seems magically frozen in time, doing what she does -- and trying the products she promotes -- just might be worth a shot.

Can diet, exercise, and fancy skin care products really stop a person from aging?

Image via Rubenstein/Flickr

Is it just me, or are slits absolutely everywhere lately? I don't think I've EVER bought something with a slit myself, but suddenly slitted maxi skirts and long dresses are popping up in all of my favorite stores, and I'm diggin' it. It looks like I'm not alone, either. Celebs are loving them too. Check out Kim Kardashian (right) wearing a beautiful high-waisted blue slitted maxi skirt out in Miami yesterday. Man, what I'd do to be in the Florida sun right now!

Back to the skirt, though. It's absolutely perfect. Kim wore this gem the right way. That's the kicker here. Yes, slits can be fun. However, when it comes to showing a little leg, there are handful of DOs and a whole slew of DON'Ts.

What do I mean by don'ts? Well, here. Let me start with a little example from Glee star Lea Michele:

Exhibit A: Lea Michele wearing Versace at Sunday night's Screen Actors Guild Awards:

Helloooooooo leg! The fact that this slit is sky high kills me, too, because A) I absolutely adore Lea Michele, and B) this gown is a Versace and I don't know if anyone should speak badly about Versace, ever. Nevertheless, this slit is WAY too high. I wouldn't be surprised if when Lea was walking around, photographers got a few X-rated shots! It definitely takes away from the overall look for me.

Thus I present you with three crucial some slit DOs:

- Make sure the slit is tasteful: Too much of a slit could show too much of the wrong thing. A smaller slit, like the one Kim's sportin' up top, is classy and gives an otherwise plain item some sex appeal.

- Don't make the rest of the outfit too busy: Lea actually did this well. Since she knew she was showing a whole lotta leg, the 25-year-old actress kept her hair and jewelry simple.

- Make sure you've got cute shoes on: If you're flaunting some extra skin, it's natural for the eye to catch what's going on with your feet. I adore Kim's tan wedges and Lea's pointed silver shoes.

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Are you a fan you of slits? Do you own anything that has one?

Image via Pacific Coast News, Splash News

Suzanne Somers and Three's Company co-star Joyce DeWitt hadn't seen each other in 30 years until today. Suzanne welcomed Joyce on her show Breaking Through and the two had an entirely pleasant if not an emotional reunion. They'd been feuding for over three decades, but it seems like they picked up right where they left off. But all that aside, and speaking of being picked up -- I feel like we need to discuss Suzanne's face.

It's obvious she's had a lot of work done, but Joyce, on the other hand, looks very natural. I don't think she's even had Botox, and come on, that's very rare these days for an actress.

So here we have two stars, side by side. One's chosen the synthetic route, one's let nature take its course. Which is better? Bigger photo after the jump.

It's subjective, of course. There's no outright rule that un-plastic is better than plastic, but when you look at these two extremes cheek to cheek, it begs for a comparison. And in this case, I think Joyce looks best. (Side note: It's taking all my energy and concentration to type "Joyce" instead of "Janet." End side note.)

Both ladies are over 60, but there seems to be a big difference in their acceptance of that fact. Joyce seems to have embraced her age and looks gorgeous. You can see her crow's feet and the laugh lines, but there's absolutely nothing unattractive about it. She looks happy, healthy, and real.

Suzanne, conversely, looks, well, different than Joyce. I don't know if she was trying to look 40 instead of 65, or 20 instead of 65, but the fact of the matter is Suzanne looks ageless, and not necessarily in a good way. After six decades, wouldn't you want some facial evidence that you've grown wiser, seen the world, laughed, and cried?

Some people might disagree and say that Suz looks better than Joyce -- there are certainly many people out there who prefer the plastic surgery look since it's a $40 billion industry. It's just ... interesting to see the two squeezed next to each other. It's like a Venn diagram of aging, but without that middle ground.

So who do you think looks better for their age? Joyce is 62 and Suzanne is 65.

Photo via cafemomstudios

When I saw the trailer for Reese Witherspoon's upcoming flick This Means War, I thought, "Sweet, they're still casting her as the gorgeous object of -- not just one, but TWO -- guys' affection!" As opposed to someone's ... grandmother. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but you know how in Hollywood, 35 is practically the new 75. And Reese turns 36 this March! Plus, she's a mom to kiddos Ava and Deacon, so all in all, I was impressed that she's still scoring sexy leading lady roles you'd think would be reserved for, oh, I don't know, Dakota Fanning or Miley Cyrus!

Still, Reese can't seem to escape all age-related actress stereotypes. The star appears on the March cover of Glamour UK and, inside, dishes about plastic surgery. Because, apparently, one of the go-to questions for an almost 36-year-old mom is always, "Aren't you feeling OLD?? Isn't it time to go under the knife?!"

Reese's answer was totally satisfying. She said:

I'm not for it. I'm not against it. I have plenty of friends who do stuff and if it makes you feel good, great ... but I don't think it's the fix for some sort of unease that you're having about who you are as a human being. I don't think I need plastic surgery at this point: Can we just go day-by-day on that one?

Love it -- honest, fair, to the point. Bravo. But hold up a minute. There's an issue here she was too sweet, I'm sure, to address, and that's how lame-o it is that we're even asking a woman her age about plastic surgery. What the hell kind of plastic surgery could Reese Witherspoon possibly need?

First of all, she still looks like she's 10 years younger than she really is. (That's one of the pluses about being petite!) Second, she says she's embraced the body she now has after having two kids. She says it's the body she's earned and she's "still strong and healthy." And I love that she noted, "You start to have a different respect for your body the older you get. Instead of tearing yourself apart all the time, you start to go 'Oh wow.'" Yeah!

It galls me the way we/Hollywood/media expect all celebrities to constantly be zapping, injecting, suctioning their faces and bodies, no matter how young or old they are, no matter what shape they're in, and no matter how they currently feel about their looks. Good for Reese for saying plastic surgery is something she plans to play by ear instead of doing it without question. Maybe some celebs need it, but there are plenty who -- at least right now -- don't.

Do you expect that most celebs, like Reese, will ultimately have some sort of plastic surgery (even if it's just a little Botox)?

Image via Glamour Magazine UK

Over the last three months or so, I've completely fallen in love with Mad Men. I don't know where I was for the last four seasons, but I'm happy to report that I'm now completely caught up on all of the mint julep drinking, affair-having fun and highly anticipating the season 5 premiere on March 25. Banana Republic seems to be excited too, as the store just announced that they're working with Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant for a second Mad Men-inspired capsule collection, launching in stores on March 1.

Hell-freakin'-yes! The first collection was so unbelievably chic and sexy, I'm just dying to see what happens this time around. Lucky for us, Banana has posted a few of the looks from their upcoming 40-piece line on their blog.

How fun is the patterned cardigan with those darling crop pants and dainty accessories (right)? And the male model's retro polo? He looks like a modern-day Donald Draper!

Want more? See one of the new Mad Men-inspired dresses after the jump:

It's official, I am obsessed. I love the way that Banana pulls inspiration from Mad Men, but doesn't take it too over-the-top making the clothes unwearable. This dress has the perfect Joan (Christina Hendricks) silhouette, but adds a few modern twists to update the look to 2012. The bow makes it playful, and the way they styled the model with a sleek pair of heels and a bold necklace is sheer perfection. If the rest of the looks have this kind of flair, then there's no doubt in my mind that the sophomore Mad Men line is going to be another retail homerun.

Prices for the collection range from $35 to $355, and the most expensive dress is just $150.

Are you going to splurge on the new Mad Men collection at Banana Republic? Are you a fan of the show?

Images via Banana Republic