The Groupie Stands Alone

Hi girls,
Is theme dressing cheesy? You know, a'la Carrie Brandshaw wearing that francofile-cum-Cirque-du-Soleil ensemble to meet The Russian in Paris? The other day, my dear friend Charlotte and I went to a fabulous book reading in Soho, for Ms. Pamela Des Barres. Have you heard of her? She wrote a book called "I'm With the Band," all about her groupie days in the 60s & 70s, and me and Charlotte are OBSESSED with her (whatever, we all have our eccentricities. I mean, I know a girl who's really into soapbar-whittling). Anyway, I totally dressed for the occasion. I wore tiny cutoff jean shorts, a halter, pigtails, and 70s-ish wedges! I was SO getting backstage, I can't even tell you. Cut to last night, when Adam and I went to a flamenco concert in Prospect Park. I wore a ruffly, hot-pink, off-the-shoulder top with big hoops (ole!). Of course, I was the only one dressed like a Sevillana hooker, but I felt festive. Today, though, I'm noticing a trend. I am a person who adores theme dressing. And here's my question...have any of you ever theme-dressed? If so, I'd love to hear your stories. Because right now I'm feeling very The Cheese Stands Alone.

Shout-out to Miss 1990! Last week, I asked you ladies to help me think of a title for IT CHICKS BOOK #2, and Darling Miss 1990 came up with my absolute favorite...BITTERSWEET SIXTEEN (verrry fitting for a novel about a Sweet Sixteen bash). I have some goodies for you, 1990, so make sure you email me with your address (beauty@tiawilliams.net). And now, onto this month's Q&A. Keep the questions coming, girls, and try to stay cool in this oppressive heat. Jesus. My roots are destroyed.

love you forever,
Tia

YOUR TOP FIVE QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

SYB BABE: Lady T
QUESTION: "I have naturally dark tinted lips and would finally like to move away from brown and plum lipglosses. Any suggestions for some cute summer-y lip color for dark lips, like corals or whatever is concerned a summer color? I think I only own one tube of lipstick but I'm not at all against going the lipstick route."
TIA'S 2 CENTS: How I wish I had naturally brown lips like Lady T ("I'm wild and peaceful Lady T/I gotta keep my irons in the fire you see" --Teena Marie, Square Biz, REKANIZE!). Since your lips are already tinted, you really don't need a gloss with tons of opaque color. Just stick to soft, sheer glosses blended with a hint of shimmer. Stila Summer Lip Glaze in Daquiri ($20), a twinkly golden-pink, is absolutely lovely on dark lips...and it tastes yummy, too.


SYB BABE: Stacey
QUESTION: "How do you go about storing your beauty products? I am constantly purging things in an effort to keep my bathroom under control, but I was wondering how other beauty junkies such as myself handled the same problem. Just curious!"
TIA'S 2 CENTS: This is why the Container Store is so brilliant, man. Their sent-from-heaven Large Acrylic Makeup Organizer ($24.99) is separated into crafty compartments (love the lipstick organizer) so you can easily store your entire makeup arsenal. And the clear acrylic matches every bathroom decor, from Early Bachelor Pad to Shabby Chic for Target. Ooh-la-la!


SYB BABE: Tessa
QUESTION: "I don't like going to the beach because I am awfully hairy and when I shave my va jay jay area, I get razor bumps like men on their face. I mean it is really bad. What should I do?"
TIA'S 2 CENTS: Oh honey, it happens to ALL of us. Five words for you...Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster ($32)! I've written about this miracle worker before because it's awesome for treating and preventing va jay jay bumps. These easy-to-use pads are soaked in glycolic and salicylic acids, which clear away the pore-clogging sebum that causes ingrown hairs. In between waxes or shaving, simply swipe a pad over the bikini area after you shower...and revel in your sexy, silky-smoothness!


SYB BABE: Lynn
QUESTION: "Do you know who makes the bomb bodyshapers? Tia, I've tried everything to keep some of this "extra beauty" hidden, but it's not working. I've never had a flat stomach, but a dear friend of my mom's saw me out and said (here it comes) "Are we expecting?" I smiled and laughed it off, but inside I was falling apart. Please help!"
TIA'S 2 CENTS: Sugar, it's time for you to worship at the Spanx altar, alongside Gwyneth, Oprah, Reece, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson; every A-list stylist in Hollywood; and, apparently, many a SYB Bombshell. Spanx is an award-winning, stylist-loving line of shapewear that's constructed to control and shape unruly butts, thighs and tummies. The collection includes chic little panties, bras, footless hose, corsets and maternity yumminess...but for a tummy issue, I'd reccomend Slim Cognito Seamless Control Panty ($42, nude or black). The sleek, cling-proof design manages to pull in your tummy while boosting your booty...and miracle of miracles, it doesn't cut you off anywhere or create weird bulges.


SYB BABE: Kimberly
QUESTION: "Can you do me one favor??? Please give advice on large pores!!!! Its hot, its humid, and mommy's face looks like the kids drew freckles on me."
TIA'S 2 CENTS: Kimmie, prepare for Biore's Pore Minimizing Line to change your life! Start things off by cleansing your face, morning and night, with the Biore Pore Minimizing Foaming Face Wash ($6.99). Follow up with the Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 15 ($12.49), which contains special soft-focus powders that make pores look almost invisible! For extra pore help, three times a week, massage Biore Pore Minimizing Refining Exfoliator ($12.49) over freshly cleansed skin (it removes all kinds of gunk from you pores, which reduces their appearance). In a couple weeks, your face will be HD-ready!