Brownie Points
It's not just for the UPS guy anymore. Brown is stepping out from the shadow of its ubiquitous cousin black, seducing celeb chocoholics from Alicia Silverstone to Penélope Cruz with its versatility. As glamorous as Godiva or as homespun as Hershey, brown is "not only warm, but it is closest to the natural tones of the skin and is the perfect color for makeup," says Elie Saab, who designed the custom-made embroidered leather and lace frock Queen Rania of Jordan wore to a recent Manhattan fundraiser. "Brown always looks great with my hair and my coloring," raves Mariska Hargitay. "I wear it because it complements my skin tone," agrees Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon. So go cocoa nuts—this delicious autumn hue works well head to toe.
Behind the Seams
winner's circle
Actress Anna Friel walked down the aisle at the London premiere of her film The War Bride in a white-hot gown by Collette Dinnigan. Who'd want to give this bride away? She's a keeper!
FAUX-SNOW JOB: When you're J.Lo, you don't have to wait for real flakes to fall. Lopez needed the white stuff for her Nov. 20 "All I Have" video shoot, so her elves transformed Manhattan's Tribeca into a fake winter wonderland. J.Lo plays a snow bunny in a pink parka with a South Beach tan and films a "breakup" scene with LL Cool J that has her hauling designer bags from his digs. If you buy there's a St. Nick, then you'll believe J.Lo would lug her own stuff....
PRECIOUS MOMENTS: Are rival jewelers Carder and Harry Winston trying to hustle up holiday buyers by decking their halls with celebs? Harry Winston nabbed First Model Lauren Bush to trim its 7-ft.-tall Ethel M chocolate tree with $25 million worth of gems, while Cartier asked Angie Harmon to unveil its circa-1928 Maharajah of Patiala necklace adorned with a mere 2,930 diamonds....
A CHARMED LIFE: When Sarah Jessica Parker left the hospital after giving birth to son James Wilkie, she was carrying more than a bundle of joy. A nifty bauble was on board: a $5,000 Tracey Zabar charm bracelet that Matthew Broderick surprised his wife with on the night of the baby's arrival. The infant-themed gold charms included a diaper, booties and a playpen. Sorry, Carrie, no miniature Manolo Blahniks here.
Buckle Up!
When pop stars want to roughen up, they turn to heavy metal. "I love buckles because they give clothing a tough feeling," says Ligia Morris, who designed Shakira's multilatched pants for her recent tour. If you're not quite ready to rock, then hook the look with just one buckle. It's easy-to-wear hardware.
True Colors
Has Essie nailed the personalities of its celeb clients with its fall polishes? Hmm. Angela Bassett wears Leave It to Diva; Sandra Bullock, A-List. But what could it mean that Kristin Davis picks Fed Up?
I really LOVE my...
Michael Kors's storm coat: Debra Messing isn't fond of shedding her winter coat—or the underpinnings it was shown with on the runway. At $17,995, it's best to keep the sheared mink close.
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