Let’s get down to business, girls. Are you ready to talk about the most important thing in the world — our hair — and how much money we shell out to keep it looking good?

The Guardian recently published an article about the staggering prices of women’s haircuts. It was as if the writer had been eavesdropping on my friends and me as we gripe every time a salon trip is due. … continue reading

Ah, breasts. Eva Mendes was happy to show you hers on behalf of Calvin Klein. Jennifer Beals and Sarah Jessica Parker will never show you theirs with the no-nudity clauses in their contracts. Somewhere, someone even thought breasts might make you buy French Fries.

The comments on Gina Vivenetto's recent Eva Mendes blog post range from, "Lighten up with the nudity laws, Americans!" to "Right on, FCC! People need to keep their clothes on!" Turns out not everyone agrees about when and where bared breasts are acceptable.

Pondering the nude folks that will be dancing in Central Park during tonight's revival of Hair, New York Magazine asked a few celebrities how they felt about getting naked.

Elle model and author of The Bikini Book Kelly Killoren Bensimon said: "Wooo! Nudity! Well, I've never been photographed nude before, ever. I'm like the only model that hasn't. So, I actually love being in my bikini, I'd love to be in my bikini more than anything else. But the one thing I don't like about summer is that people are literally taking off their clothes. And the thing about winter is that people really make an effort to be dressed. That's what I like." … continue reading

Fashion designer Calvin Klein has done it again: He's created yet another controversial advertisement designed to raise eyebrows. It’s a television commercial so provocative, it’s been banned in America. (It’s also getting Klein a ton of attention.)

The spot for Klein’s new Secret Obsession fragrance features a nude Eva Mendes rolling around in bed. What really steamed up American censors is that viewers get a full-on shot of the sultry starlet’s boob — nipple and all.

The new ad is hardly the Nipplegate that was Janet and Justin’s half-time boobie shot, but at least one person is spitting mad. Fabien Baron, the ad’s creative director says, “You must be kidding me. This country really needs a new president — this country is so messed up. It’s such a joke and it’s quite upsetting, frankly, how hypocritical this country has become. It’s OK for children to see people killed by guns? Spreading a little love right now would be a good idea.”

Of course, Baron grew up in France where people are not terrified of a breast.

This isn’t the first time Klein’s ads have come under scrutiny. In 1981, Klein got into a lot of hot water (and banned from CBS)when the now-infamous television commercial for his blue jeans featured a 15-year-old Brooke Shields looking at the camera and purring, “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvins? Nothing.”

The Shields commercial makes Miley Cyrus’ Vanity Fair pose look kittenish. … continue reading

Helen Mirren is sexy. This isn't my opinion; this is empirical fact. It's just one of life's great truths. It's like the rise and fall of the tide every day — dependable yet still, somehow, magical. What's that? Evidence? You demand proof? Behold, Helen and her itsy, bitsy, teenie weenie. Sure, it's not a yellow polka-dot one, but it is unmistakably a bikini. And, wow, is it ever sexy.

Earlier this month, shots of the newly 63-year-old star rocking her bikini bod while on vacation in Italy caused quite a stir in the British press and beyond. But for anyone paying attention, this is nothing new. Helen has always been a hottie. She was even officially deemed one by you in the inaugural AfterEllen.com Hot 100 list (No. 31 in 2007, shamefully absent in 2008 — hint, hint for 2009).

These days along with inspiring legions of women decades younger than her to do more crunches, Helen is helping to bring the concept of "sexyback" to a whole generation of women who our youth-obsessed culture has unfairly put to pasture. Male actors in their 60s and beyond are still routinely considered desirable leading men. Take Robert De Niro (64), Harrison Ford (66), Al Pacino (68) and Jack Nicholson (71). … continue reading

I might have reservations about putting Natalie Portman at the top of my totally subjective Truly Perfect Women list, except Natalie does something awesome, like, every two months, to reassure me she belongs there.

Sure, 27-year-old Natalie is gorgeous, fashionable, has great taste in music and is a fellow vegan: That’s all the makings of an awesome lady. Add to that, she’s Harvard-educated, can speak Hebrew, and now designs (leather-free!) shoes. She tops all that off with a sense of humor that compels her to do some zany things in videos and short films.(Natalie’s rapping about her bad ass self in an awesome SNL video is now the stuff of legend.)

More recently, we've heard of her dropping trou for a bit part in Wes Anderson’s sprawling Hotel Chevalier. A few months ago we saw heavily circulated paparazzi shots of Natalie being amazingly calm as a cute little dog lifted his leg and took a leak all over her couture coat. But, the pictures from a moment later are more telling: The dog has finished his business and Natalie is laughing her head off. … continue reading

In an interview with The Onion's A.V. Club this week, Maggie Gyllenhaal said she had refused the part of Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight because she had no interest in playing a woman "in peril."

The truth is, what I didn't want to be was just the sort of empty lady who gets thrown around by different guys and doesn't have anything to do but look scared. I just wanted her to be a real person.

It's understandable, then, that her male co-stars in the film have given quotes to the media about Gyllenhaal's steadfastness in not being a damsel in distress after she did eventually take on the role. Even when her character is being threatened by The Joker at knifepoint, Gyllenhaal does not flinch (something tells me the original Rachel, Kate Holmes, would have started to cry at this point.)

Gyllenhaal has a strong sense of the roles she wants to play, and her instincts haven't seemed to fail her yet. Even in her smallish role as Rachel, she is convincing (and stunning, of course) as a lawyer who knows Bruce Wayne's secret vigilante identity. Though the male stars of the film have been getting most of the attention, Gyllenhaal graces this month's cover of Marie Claire. In the story, her co-star Aaron Eckhart is quoted as having said, "Maggie's got a lot of sass. She has very strong opinions on acting and things outside moviemaking. She's not afraid to speak her mind." … continue reading

When readers of Maxim see next month's issue, they might be tricked into thinking the tacky men's magazine has made nice with Sarah Jessica Parker, the actress it infamously voted the World's Unsexiest Woman last year. Parker topped a list of so-called ugly women that included Amy Winehouse, Sandra Oh, Madonna and Britney Spears.

Maxim was roundly criticized for the list and the 43-year-old Sex And The City star was candid with the press about how much the dubious honor hurt her, telling one interviewer, the list was "brutal, in a way. It's so filled with rage and anger."

Next month, Maxim does a 180 on its earlier judgment, naming Parker its "Unexpected Crush," but insiders say the "honor" still contains an insult-laden joke.

Is this what the power of the press has been reduced to? Have we all reverted back to the 8th grade? Remember passing terribly catty notes about classmates we were jealous of or threatened by? Sometimes we made fun of them, sometimes, unfortunately, we picked on their physical attributes because it was, again, the 8th grade, what else did we have going on? It's not like we could be snarky about each other's jobs or spouses or whom we voted for.

It's not just mens' mags like Maxim. Famed film critic Rex Reed wrote a review of Sex And The City for the New York Observer in which he spent an entire paragraph crudely insulting Parker's appearance and specifically, the cute mole on her face. (Parker recently had the mole removed. Coincidence?). … continue reading

Chris Jordan, a visual artist known for critiquing America’s consumerist culture, has the art world abuzz with his latest work, a photograph of a woman’s breasts that upon close examination is actually a huge sculpture made out of 32,000 Barbie dolls.

Why 32,000 dolls? Jordan picked the number because, shockingly, it’s the amount of breast surgeries performed each month in the United States. You’re reading right: 32,000 boob jobs. Every month.

Could it be? Let’s do the math: start with all of those Hollywood women who admit to getting breast enhancements like Pamela Anderson, Dolly Parton, Tara Reid, Jane Seymour, Tori Spelling, Kelly Rowland, Victoria “Posh” Beckham. Then triple that number a few times to compensate for the stars who are hush hush about their fake boobs. Next, add reality “stars” who confess their boobs, too, went under the knife like Kendra Wilkinson and Holly Madison of The Girls Next Door, Heidi Montag of The Hills, The Apprentice’s Helene Speight, and Indian dancer and actress Rakhi Sawant (Big Boss).

Recently Brigitte Neilsen, reality TV superstar, took it all a step further (doesn’t she always?) by undergoing various plastic surgery procedures — including a breast augmentation — for a German reality program.

Now, add all of those not-so-famous women who get boob jobs, as reported by the media. These include the thousands of young women each year who now opt for boob jobs instead of cars as high school graduation presents. Add to that the recent onslaught of Asian-American women who are surgically enhancing their bust size. Finally, let’s not forget the girls, yes, girls — not women — who get parental permission (and probably financial aid) to boost their boobs. The number of teens 18 and younger who got boob jobs in 2003 was more than 11,000 according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. … continue reading

Popcrunch has created a list of famous people who have gone on the record about suffering with depression. The list included more than 100 people from all walks of life: politics, Hollywood, sports, journalism, anthropology, etc. For our purposes here, I’m interested in the women on the list.

Now, some of these women were pretty obvious candidates — I think we all had a hunch Sylvia Plath wasn’t happy every day — but others caught me by surprise and, again, illustrated what we all sort of know: that depression hits anyone, regardless of status, success, talent, smarts, looks, fame, love or lack thereof. Getting depressed is starting to feel like a given in the world today. I mean, times are bad: We’ve been at war for several years. Gas costs too much. It’s hectic out there. We’d be mad not to get sad.

The key, obviously, is dealing with our depression healthily. Talking to friends works for some of us, or sometimes journaling or jogging. Some of us need counseling at times, and despite what Tom Cruise says, medication can help sometimes, too.

It’s important to know that were not alone, and that some of our heroes have been depressed. Several of the people who are responsible for our favorite books, songs, and films, even. (Hey, isn’t it ironic that some of the people we turn to when we’re depressed get down, too?) Here are a few wonderful everyday women who get the blues:

—Politicians, their spouses, and sex scandal partners (regardless of party affiliations): Tipper Gore, Barbara Bush, Betty Ford, Monica Lewinsky, Marilyn Monroe

—Royalty who may or may not have despised each other: Princess Di, Queen Elizabeth II

—Athletes who grunt while playing and/or had a trend-setting hairdo in the 1970s: Monica Seles, Dorothy Hamill

—Women who sing about sad stuff: Shirley Manson of Garbage, Amy Lee of Evanescence, Sinead O’ Connor

—Women who sing about happy stuff: Sheryl Crow, Melanie C

—Women who sing about hot stuff: Donna Summer

—Women who sing about the importance of holding on: Carnie Wilson … continue reading

Neo-soul artist India.Arie is the latest in a long line of talented R&B singers bit by the acting bug. Arie, 32, is set to star in a Broadway revival of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The play, based on the book of poems by Ntozake Shange, was nominated for a Tony award in 1977. The book, a women’s studies classic, presents several women of color discussing their experiences at a certain time in the United States.

It’s a bold step for Arie, but she’s in good company. In fact, I’m having a tough time thinking of an R&B artist who hasn’t tried her hand at acting on stage or screen. Some of them gave such good performances, they got in the running for Hollywood’s biggest honor, the Academy Award.

One of them actually won it. Of course, I'm talking about American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, who brought home the Best Supporting Actress award for Dreamgirls. Hudson is the biggest success story on our list, although her castmate Beyonce, (Carmen: A Hip Hopera, Austin Powers: Goldmember) isn’t exactly hurting for parts. Alicia Keys (The Nanny Diaries, Smokin’ Aces) seems to record an album and film a new movie every other year. Keys just finished shooting another: The Secret Life of Bees.

Let’s not forget those ladies we don’t hear on the radio every day: Erykah Badu appeared in The Cider House Rules way back in 1999 and later, House of D; Macy Gray guest starred on Spin City and Gilmore Girls; Angie Stone appeared on an episode of Roswell. … continue reading

R&B singer and former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland proved her beauty is not just skin-deep this week. The 27-year-old performer is trying her best to bring awareness to the importance of HIV screening as an ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, which aims to reduce discrimination against those who are infected with HIV and AIDS. The singer is visiting Africa where she underwent an HIV test to in Nairobi, a city devastated by the disease, to encourage others to do the same.

"Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to HIV infection, and it is important for everyone to know their HIV status,” Rowland said in a statement to the press. “The quicker you know your status, the sooner you can receive treatment if you're HIV+, and reduce the risk of inadvertently infecting future partners."

The ambassador's second album, Ms. Kelly, has several hits, including “Like This,” “work” and the Snoop-Dog collaboration, “Ghetto.” However, this might be some of her most important work yet. … continue reading

Yesterday Stuntdouble wrote about one of Entertainment Weekly's lists from their current classic list issue. Today I'm writing about another one of the many lists: a Top Ten list from Sarah Michelle Gellar in which she reveals the new classic male TV characters she wishes she could play. In response to this I have written Gellar a small letter. Eh hem.

Dear Sarah Michelle,

Can I call you Sarah? I’ll presume you've said no since I can’t hear your answer and we hardly know each other. I’m sure "Sarah" is reserved for the important people in your life such as your hubby Freddy Prinze Jr. I understand that you and I are, at this point, merely internet strangers. But I do hope that after you read this you will see that I am not so much a random blogger, but rather someone looking out for your best artistic interests and then just maybe you will email me begging me to please call you Sarah … and you in turn can call me Ree-ree.

Recently I came across the top ten list that you submitted to EW, "10 New Classic Male TV Characters you wish you could play." Now I’m sure EW approached you with that topic and that you aren’t sitting around in your home in Hollywood somewhere cussing the breasts and reproductive organs that are preventing you from landing these testosterone required roles; but just in case you ever do have a private moment of truly wishing you could have played those roles I thought I would take it upon myself to offer you potential alternative roles that women have played that are on par with you classic male choices:

You chose: Ricky Stratton, Silver Spoons
Because: "He used to ride that little train around his huge house. I wanted that train when I was a kid."

Suggested Female Equivalent: Punky Brewster, Punky Brewster
Because: OK, I admit I wanted that train too and the sports car-shaped bed he slept in, but that is no reason to pine for that role. Punky Brewster is a far meatier role for you than merely playing a spoiled rich kid. Punky was an orphan who was adopted by a widower. Hello? It is a kid actor’s dream role. Punky’s sparkly personality out weighs Ricky Stratton’s bank account. Her wardrobe is adorably free spirited complete with crazy color combinations, mismatched shoelaces and side pony tales. Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Ricky is tucking his salmon colored polo shirt into his chinos. Lame. … continue reading

Kristen Johnson, who was so wild and fun and larger than life on 3rd Rock from the Sun, is the latest Hollywood star to go all Skeletor skinny. These pictures of Johnson recently at a PETA event made my heart drop. Johnson told everyone who asked – oh, and they asked, because in Hollywood everyone is as preoccupied with your weight as you are – that she dropped 60 POUNDS. Sixty! From a body that didn’t look like it needed to drop weight.

I know I shouldn’t get emotional about someone else’s weight loss and by now we all know that the people in Hollywood have different ideas about what an adult women’s physique should look like, but, wow, haven’t we learned anything? When three out of the five Spice Girls – a group all about female empowerment – have discussed their struggles with eating disorders, you gotta step back and wonder, should we all go to therapy together? Like, as a group?

In just the last few years I’ve watched ladies who started their careers looking fine become suddenly reduced to their smallest terms. Where is the rest of Christina Ricci nowadays? What happened to the Brittany Murphy who was so wonderfully bodacious and real in Clueless? Both are Hollywood ‘bots now, sleek and too skinny. (And P.S., both are Italian like me, so I can’t imagine how hard they are working to stay so tiny).

The first time I saw America Ferrera, I thought to myself, “Unbelievable. Hollywood has let in someone who is beautiful, ethnic, and bootylicious.” But the latest pictures I have seen of America the Beautiful have me ruing the fact that she, too, is getting smaller and smaller.

I know the reasoning behind this. I know what producers say. They say the camera adds weight. Thinner women look better onscreen, which really makes me wonder how skinny the Olsen Twins are in real life if they look so scary small in paparazzi shots. … continue reading

It’s official: Michelle Branch’s life is the one we covet. The 24-year-old is not only an Grammy award-winning musician who has guest-starred on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, she’s now opening a partially-organic bakery.

The Nashville Business Journal reports that Branch’s new bakery will be a sit-down affair in Nashville called The Sugar Bar. The singer, who scored hits with “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted” and “Are You Happy Now?” explains on her web site’s message board that the baking bug bit her when she was young:

“When I was a little girl. I would sneak into the kitchen and sift out a few cups of flour and mix it with water just to play with the dough.”

She says the bakery will offer good old-fashion Bourbon Chocolate cake. (She might want to use some of Tennessee’s own Jack Daniels whiskey in a recipe or two). … continue reading

We're halfway through summer movie season, and it is time once again to employ Lesbian Scientistics to determine which summer blockbuster star is the most kissable, and what exactly goes into lip appeal. (CAUTION: The findings below are fraught with SPOILERS.)

Step 1) Ask a question. Does a woman's bad-assness effect her kissability?

Step 2) Observe. I will profile each woman to garner an accurate portrait of her bad-assness, paying special attention to whose ass she kicks, what she kicks ass with, and what she wears to hand out said ass kickin'.

Anna Popplewell/Susan Pevensie, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Enemies: Telemarines, the misogyny of C.S. Lewis.

Allies: 2 Sons of Adam, 1 Daughter of Eve.

Uniform: Chainmail, leather corset.

Weapons: See pie chart.

Sarah Jessica Parker/Carrie Bradshaw, The Sex and the City Movie

Enemies: Big, Mr.

Allies: Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte.

Uniform: Fraggle-fur shawl.

Weapons: See pie chart. … continue reading