Hayden: Heroes Star Turned Handbag Designer

PROS:

• Hayden Panettiere, actress, singer, animal activist, and all around do-gooder, is now dabbling in a new role: designer.
• Her Dooney & Bourke handbags, inspired by Leo, her astrological sign, are a mixture of girly-girl-cute and socialite-chic. A major step up from the looks she modeled for Candie's!
• The line comes in five colors, perfect for mixing and matching.
  

CON: (AND IT'S A BIG ONE)

• The vegetarian and animal lover, who last year participated in a risky protest against Japanese whalers that nearly got her arrested and could have gotten her killed, failed to consider using a cruelty-free material for her purses-- "the bag of her dreams," as she describes her line, is made from Italian calfskin.

?!?!?!

It's great to see Hayden making a foray into the design world, but next time? Why not consider crafting something that's animal- and eco-friendly? If these bags were vegan, I would snap them up, and so would fashion-forward, animal-loving celebs like Natalie Portman (her vegan line of shoes for Te Casan is superhot!). Instead of producing more of the same, the products you stamp your name on could help change the world. After all, you've been a hero for animals in the past. So what are you waiting for, Hayden? Dream a little bigger!


*Photo source: http://nymag.com/

Sarah Palin Speaks Up About Her Spiffy Wardrobe

After enduring weeks of criticism, Governor Sarah Palin finally addressed one annoyingly pressing campaign issue: her wardrobe. In light of the economic crisis, people across party lines were infuriated after hearing that Palin's designer clothes reportedly cost the Republican National Committee $150,000. Whaaat? Did our tax dollars support her Neiman Marcus runs?

Of course, some of the swirling rumors were likely just that-- rumors. Sure, Palin had a stylist and some gorgeous ensembles, but on Fox News yesterday she raised a valid point: why isn't anyone talking about the Democrats and their campaign clothes? We know Michelle Obama has sported a few recession-friendly outfits, including her fab H&M dress and moderately-priced J. Crew look. But what about her election night earrings, said to be worth $11,000? And how about that one outfit Cindy McCain donned that cost more than a house?!? Seriously, Cindy-- for one outfit?

In light of that, I'd say $150 K is actually a conservative number [According to Palin, it was far lower than that, and also included clothing for all eight of her family members]. Just think of all the hard-working [Cough!] celebrities and all the crazy-expensive clothes they parade around in daily while the rest of us are scrounging for change so we can score designer stuff at Target!

So I'd like to say, on the matter of Sarah Palin's did-she-or-didn't-she shopping sprees: DROP IT. Enough is enough already! Let's reign it in and re-focus: we're still in the midst of a recession, an energy crisis, a war on two fronts, and have just witnessed one of the craziest - and most historic - elections ever! America's got a lot of work ahead, which creates plenty of opportunities for greatness. So let's not bicker and argue about who shopped where and who styled who!

*Photo found at http://www.timesonline.co.uk/

Skyrocketing Sales for Eco-Chic Makeup

Spending may have decreased due to the recession, but customers prove they are still committed to shopping for affordable, quality makeup. Physician's Formula, one of my favorite brands, is flourishing, despite the economic crisis. WWD reports that this season's profits are up to $1.7 million, a huge jump from $102,000 at the same time last year. That's quite a leap!

Their new Organic Wear line may have something to do with it. This year the brand debuted the nation's first 100% organic natural origin makeup line with certified organic materials. Each product is free of harsh chemicals, fragrances and parabens, and is also cruelty-free. That makes for a 100% eco-friendly product, right down to the recycled paper packaging!

Physician's Formula, a leader in the bronzer market, also sells mineral makeup and retro-chic compacts, mascaras and more. It's encouraging to see such a great company, committed to environmental consciousness, thrive in a disappointing financial season. Why not support the brand (and boost the economy!) by picking up one of their gorgeous green products? Your skin will thank you, too!


*Photo from http://www.physiciansformula.com