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October 21, 2006

STYLE TIP: IN THE BUFF

Manicures are a love-hate relationship. Maybe it's because they start out so shiny and pristine and then at the slightest nick, their lacquered veil of immaculate fingertip glory is, POOF! Gone. We have all sworn them off at one time or another--only to find our fingers soaking in sudsy water a week later. Le sigh. Why can't your manicure last as long as your pedicure?

After many years of frustration I have come to a rather satisfying compromise; it's called the buff. For the price of a manicure, a buff includes trimming, filing, cleaning up pesky cuticles, and a super-slick finish. Using four different files, one finer than the next, nails are smoothed to a brilliant shine that will never nick or chip.

The buff looks clean, professional and well-kept with little maintenance. If you're always on-the-go, consider the buff and save the fussy manicure for a polish-worthy event!

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DESIGNER OF THE WEEK: LILY MCNEAL

Lily McNeal, the only name in luxurious knits and sweaters, is the darling of Danish-American designer, Anne Barthelme. She learned to knit growing up in Copenhagen, Denmark and continued her first passion in the United States while pursuing an acting career. Once in Los Angeles, her innovative, modern approach to knits sparked a huge following, she would spend hours hand knitting custom sweaters for friends and family. When her production reached capacity (taking over the kitchen), she met Stephen Elkind, a young businessman with entrepreneurial aspirations. A year later, the two collaborated to launch the brand and vision of Lily McNeal.

Since its inception in 2002, Lily Mcneal has become a favorite of celebrities and magazines alike. The ultra-soft, modern designs have brought a fresh approach to knitwear. Anne uses only the finest yarns including ultra-fine merino wools, cashmeres and modals (from renewable bamboo). Her inventive use of color and fashion forward approach makes Lily McNeal a must-have for Hollywood's hottest stars. Fans include, Jessica Simpson, Gwenyth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Rebecca Romijn, Teri Hatcher, and many more. Even a pregnant Angelina Jolie was spotted wearing the wildly popular Ballet Wrap during her stay in Namimbia. Lily McNeal knits are like a second skin, impossible to take-off and amazingly comfortable; the collection is truly a delight to wear. Shop Lily McNeal

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CELEBRITY STYLE BLOG: CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

Apparently, the answer is yes! Hollywood celebrity catfights are at an all time low, now that Paris and Nicole mended their feud and became BFF's once more. Friends of the girls say that they just really missed each other, skeptics are saying it's all a ploy to promote the new "Simple Life", but one thing is for sure: when Paris and Nicole reunite, the world pays attention! Mischa Barton was recently boo-hooing about how Nicole stopped returning her calls, well maybe that's because your constant horrific fashion choices are bringing down Nicole's stylish image, Misch! And if that's not enough, Paris and Lindsay recenty jet-setted off to Vegas for a weekend of partying, and Nicole and Mischa finally reunited at La Conversation in Los Angeles on October 15.

Nic is seen scurrying away from their meeting, leaving separately from Mischa. Jeez, they're acting like they're dating or something! I know everyone loves it when these power girls are spatting, but Nic and Misch are taking the whole "secret meeting" thing just a little too far! I know everyone loves it when these power girls are spatting, but why do they have to go all James Bond and try to hide it when they're buds again? In the meantime, you can go ahead and steal Nicole's latest denim obsession, her J Brand Slim Fit 12 Inch Pencil Leg Jeans in the hot new color Charcoal. For Nic's chic black tunic, Karen ZAMBOS is always a perfect choice, like the V-Neck Tunic in Black. Now, let's get these girls together for one massive outing that would send the paparazzi into a frenzy!

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