This season, Tart is aimed at creating a “chic and confident” look, according to its design leader. With an undeniable statement of ultra cool, 70s-inspired sexiness, Wood’s collection featured deeply shaded solids, ranging in the likes of navy, purple, orange, chocolate, and with, of course, a springtime accent of white. Jumpers, leggings, below-the-bosom belts, and mini-dresses (a “Lolita feel”) are soooo Southern California on-the-go appropriate.

As I lay on the table in the stark white room, the skillful technician placed one eyelash at a time on my lids. I closed my eyes and imagined just how lovely I would be in the tropical islands that I would be visiting on my trip to the Caribbean. Some people thought that what I was doing was indulgent, but I saw it as self-preservation. After all, I wouldn’t have the time to apply false eyelashes after a long day’s excursion in Key West, Cozumel, or the Caymen Islands. I had to look glamorous. Why? Because I was on a cruise!

(Written By Kaylene Peoples)

The true story of a male model’s struggle with binge eating.” This memoir is an uncorrected galley, due to be published by the New Harbinger Publications, Inc., 5674 Shattuck Ave., Oakland, CA 94609 (www.newharbinger.com) in March, with an ISBN No. 1572244852.

(Reviewed By Lee Lemon Peoples)

I’ve spent a fair amount of my adult life in serving others. I helped initiate three of my children into adulthood and single-handedly provided them the support they needed to launch out on their own and start to accomplish things and discover their dreams. While doing this, I put many of my own dreams aside and fell full into serving society, family, and others.

(Written by Lisa Trimarchi)

I’m not sure exactly what turned me on to a day of outdoor modeling. Maybe I was tired of hiding behind the computer. Maybe it was to prove my sister right—that I really am the “cool auntie” my niece would grow to love. Maybe it was to explore a new art concentration. Or maybe, as an avid “America’s Next Top Model” viewer, I just wanted to see what all the hype was about… was it really that difficult?

One word: YES.

(Written by Elana Pruitt)

I spoke with plastic surgeon Geoffrey R. Keyes and he shed some light on the importance of surgeons and their facilities following certain guidelines for safety. I went online and landed on a few prime cosmetic surgery blog sites. I read with great interest how people are doing research via word of mouth to decide on just the right cosmetic surgeon. I was astounded to find that most of what I read was not based on logic or credentials, but price and instinct.

Nora’s jewelry is one-of-a-kind art that should be displayed in a gallery, not just around somebody’s neck. In fact, that’s how I saw one of these stunning necklaces for the first time, around Nora’s neck at L.A. Fashion Week.

Having been featured in OCEAN, Justine, Item, Audrey, Stylephile.com, Apparel News, STAR Magazine; and worn by Andrea Bowen, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Teri Hatcher, just to name a few; Amanda Shi has created a brand that has been embraced by the media, celebrities, and consumers as the environmentally friendly clothing line.