HILARY Magazine - The I Love Fashion Celebrity Blog

Why Do Women Wear These Crazy High Heels?

2009-10-13T07:34:00.007-04:00

The Heelstory
If you think high heels were invented for women, you should know that they actually started with men.

According to the curator of the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, shoes with a pointed heel and a sloping pitch were first worn by men as riding boots in 9th-century Persia.

During the Renaissance period, women wore high platforms stacked heavily at the toe called chopines. They were said to rise about eight inches high and were worn in the sheer delight of displaying family wealth. These chopines later became a trend to prostitutes in Florence and Sicily.

In the 1500s, the high-heeled men's riding boot was revived by Queen Elizabeth who "acted" as a man. In the early 1700s, shorter heels started to become popular with women. By the time of the Second World War, heels started soaring higher with the discovery of using metal rods on shoes to maintain a strong and narrow structure.

Today, heels just keep on evolving as they get higher and more pointed or rounded, according to the crazy trend that echoed their history of glamour, power, oppression, sexiness, and contradiction to accepted morality.

So much was our love for heels so that designers are forever coming up with bold ideas to create high heels that would especially help women feel sexy and liberated.

Lookie at these crazy Alexander McQueen's 10-inches heels, the highest footwear to strut down the Paris runway this season:

With women getting crazy over the latest high heels, it's becoming common to hear shoe designers fighting over trademark issues.

Alexander McQueen is suing Steve Madden for allegedly copying this Faithful bootie:

Women just love to wear shoes that are impossibly high, uncomfortable, difficult, and dangerous to walk in and an economic professor provides this answer: "Taller people earn more, for example, and command greater attention in social settings. And hence the attraction of high heels."

Heels injure our feet, knees, and back but we still wear them. We simply love the way they look and we love to play with our height (and our character) every now and then.

A Swine Flu Suit, Made In Japan

2009-10-09T09:32:00.001-04:00

World Health Organization has recorded 340,000 swine flu cases and 4,100 deaths worldwide...

But rejoice mankind!

Haruyama Trading Co. Ltd., a leading menswear maker in Japan, has designed a suit especially made for protection against swine flu virus.

The sharply tailored suit is coated with titanium dioxide, a common light-reacting chemical that breaks down and kills viruses. The suit can also be washed several times without losing its protective qualities.

Available in navy, charcoal gray, medium gray and gray pinstripe, the anti-swine flu suit will go on sale tomorrow for £365 (around $580).

Sorry "womankind." The new swine flu defense is a suit — it is designed for men.

Dita von Teese's Art of Seduction

2009-10-07T07:33:00.005-04:00

Dying to seduce the man of your dreams?

Take it from fetish model and burlesque performer Dita von Teese: an effective strategy for seducing men is letting them come to you - after you have set the target.

"I don't have a technique for seducing men because they're all so different. You have to know your victim. It has always worked for me to let them come to me.

"I'm not very aggressive. I don't seduce and destroy. I like to be chased, but I'm not into playing hard to get."

Dita von Teese's art of seduction is pretty simple. Instead of getting aggressive around your "victim" (the man you like, deary), back off and let him come to you.

Men generally love the thrill of the chase so... know your victim, set the stage, and let them do the hunting!

Jennifer Aniston Says New Jersey Smells

2009-09-22T08:55:00.004-04:00

From her Thursday appearance on Chelsey Lately, Jennifer Aniston shares some smelly experience in New Jersey while filming The Bounty with Gerard Butler:

"What is with that smell? You know when you drive from Manhattan, and there's that one area?"

Uh-oh, one of Garden State's most famous residents is none too pleased to hear the girl-next-door's comment. Danielle Staub from reality TV's Real Housewives of New Jersey says:

"I would love to hang out with her. I hear she is really fabulous - but she really shouldn't say that. If you land in Newark and leave out of Newark, yeah, you will think NJ smells. But you can't judge it by one part. If it was so bad, I wouldn't be living here for 22 years."

Just to prove that New Jersey does not smell that bad, Danielle Staub, who resides in a $1.5-million home in Wayne, New Jersey (what she calls the "good smelling part"), has an offer for Jennifer Aniston:

"I will personalize a tour and take her to a fabulous lunch on me afterwards. All homemade Italian food, and a tour of all the wonderfully smelling places in New Jersey before I take you to a luncheon, my treat."

Katherine Heigl Adopts Korean Baby

2009-09-18T15:58:00.003-04:00

Katherine Heigl's wish to adopt a baby finally comes true. She and husband Josh Kelly has completed the adoption of 10 month-old baby girl from Korea.

The baby is called Naleigh — short for Nancy Leigh. Her name is derived from Katherine Heigl's mother Nancy and sister Margaret Leigh (who's also adopted).

Animosity Towards Barack Obama, Due To Racism?

2009-09-17T15:57:00.003-04:00

Former US President Jimmy Carter says that much of the opposition to first African-American President Barack Obama is due to racism. He says that many Whites that express disagreement with the president's leadership hold the belief that an African-American is not worthy to be in the White House:

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African American."

Jimmy Carter cites the anti-government demonstrations over healthcare reform which have been almost exclusively White. There is also an increasingly aggressive tone on rightwing talk shows.

While celebrating his 85th birthday on NBC, Jimmy Carter claims:

"I live in the south, and I've seen the south come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shared the south's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African Americans.

"And that racism inclination still exists. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply."

Meanwhile, the Republican party today issued a denial saying that Carter was "flat-out wrong." According to them, the opposition was not because of Obama's skin colour but of his policies.

RIP Patrick Swayze

2009-09-16T09:36:00.003-04:00

2009 marks the year of lost of some of the finest celebrities in the entertainment industry. Add Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze to the list.

"Patrick Swayze passed away peacefully today with family at his side after facing the challenges of his illness for the last 20 months," said publicist Annett Wolf in a statement released on Monday.

The 57 year-old actor died of pancreatic cancer on Monday, September 14. Earlier this year, Patrick told in his interview with ABC's Barbara Walters:

"I'd say five years is pretty wishful thinking. Two years seems likely if you're going to believe statistics. I want to last until they find a cure, which means I'd better get a fire under it."

A gifted actor and performer, Patrick Swayze was best-known for his lead roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost. He was People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 1991.

Sudanese Court Arrests Women For Wearing Trousers

2009-09-08T07:05:00.007-04:00

Recently, we've heard about a Malaysian woman condemned to caning after drinking beer. These days, there's another indecency case that attracts worldwide media attention - a Sudanese woman has been arrested after wearing trousers.

Lubna Hussein has been arrested with 12 other women at a party on July. Deemed indecent for wearing the foreign clothing, they had faced the possibility of 40 lashes. Ten of the other women arrested with her have already pleaded guilty and have been whipped. But Lubna Hussein, a former reporter working for the United Nations at the time of her arrest, has sought the help of the media. With large publicity sorrounding her case, she has been spared from the lashes. Instead, the Sudanese Court charges her to pay a fine of 500 pounds ($209) or spend a month in jail.

Lubna Hussein has argued that her clothes, a pair of green slacks, were respectable and that she did not break the law. Refusing to pay the fine after her verdict, she says "I will not pay the money, and I will go to prison."

Sudan is a country with large cultural gap between the mostly Muslim and Arab-oriented north and the mainly Christian south. Indecency cases like that of Lubna Hussein is common but because of wide publicity, activists are now citing the vagueness of Sudan's Islamic decency regulations specifically on determining what is acceptable clothing for women.

While Islamists call trouser-wearing Lubna Hussein as a prostitute worthy of harsh punishment, supporters praise her for bravely speaking out against the vagueness of indecency laws in her country and giving voice to thousands of girls who have been beaten since the 1990s.

Come to think of it, while most of us are arguing whether the latest pants are sexy or not and if tummy tuck jeans are still in fashion, some people on the other side of the world are debating if they can even wear one.

Joanna Krupa's Body To Win "Dancing with the Stars"

2009-08-21T08:21:00.005-04:00

After announcing that Joanna Krupa will join the 9th season of Dancing with the Stars, the 30 year-old model and actress has posed topless in this month's issue of Maxim magazine to win the votes of fans and be identified as the sexpot of the reality dancing competition:

"You've got to show a little bit of skin to make it fun. My job is so sexy. I've been known to do swimsuit lingerie and sexy spreads in magazines. I want to keep that going, so we'll see how skimpy the costumes will get. It will definitely be classy and flashy and hot. It won't be anything cheesy.

"Hey, whatever gets me to the finals. I'm really going to work hard at it. I mean, yeah, obviously I want to be the sexpot on the show like Gilles (Marini) was."

What do you guys think, is she worth watching for?

Milla Jovovich For Maxim September

2009-08-17T08:46:00.003-04:00

Milla Jovovich poses for the September issue of Maxim magazine and promotes her upcoming film "A Perfect Getaway."

Aside from attending to her flick, the 33 year-old actress and former model is also busy preparing for her wedding with longtime partner, filmmaker Paul W.S. Anderson. The wedding is said to be held on August 22, 2009.

Milla Jovovich, who has given birth to her first child with the filmmaker in 2007, says she has designed the wedding gown herself that is, in her words, "super simple, but beautiful like a late 60s or early 70s white mini. It's very cute!"

Jennifer Aniston, No Boyfriend But Having Fun

2009-08-07T08:02:00.005-04:00

Jennifer Aniston does not mind being called "the lonely girl."

After her split with husband Brad Pitt in 2005, the 40-year old actress has been dating several men including actor Vince Vaughn, model Paul Sculfor, and musician John Mayer. Unfortunately, none of these relationships worked out and the girl-next-door Jennifer Aniston has been left to herself again.

Currently single, Jennifer Aniston tells in her interview with the New York Post:

"I'm not going to ignore the pink elephant in the living room. It's fine. I can take it. If I'm the emblem for 'this is what it looks like to be the lonely girl getting on with her life' so be it. I can make fun of myself. And I'll bring it up as long as the world is bringing it up."

Jennifer Aniston has always been positive about life. According to the actress, her parents are funny and have always made each other laugh. This is the reason why being happy is very important to her.

"I remember being 7 and asking my mom if I was as pretty as (my best friend) Monique. And with all the love in the world, my mom looked at me and said, 'Oh, honey, you're so funny.' So, she doesn't lie to me... She answers the question by not answering and instead tells me what she thinks is my greatest strength. I put a lot of value in that at a very young age."

Penélope Cruz Is Pegnant!

2009-08-06T16:45:00.004-04:00

Penélope Cruz is about four months pregnant with her first child from boyfriend Javier Bardem whom she has been dating since 2007.

But just like Halle Berry and most A-List Hollywood stars who have been into "serious" relationships before, the Spanish actress may not be tying the knot because of marriage doubt:

"When I (have babies), I want to do it really well. I want it to be my best project in life. I don’t know if I believe in marriage. I believe in family, love and children," she says in the August issue of UK's Psychologies magazine.

Penélope Cruz has recently been rumored to quit smoking because of pregnancy.

"She's really healthy now and will be a great mother," says a source to an online gossip site.

Halle Berry Says Yes To Motherhood, No To Marriage

2009-08-04T09:04:00.003-04:00

Having a 15-month-old daughter, Nahla, former Bond girl Halle Berry says that her priorities in life has changed from "myself" to "my child." The joy of motherhood has even make her contemplate on having another child with partner Gabriel Aubry, nine years her junior.

But when it comes to marrying the model, the 42-year old actress vows never to walk down the aisle, again. Halle Berry has divorced twice and now comes to a realization that no relationship lasts forever:

"I'm much clearer about what a relationship is, which is why I will never marry again. Gabriel and I have a great partnership and a lovely daughter. But I once was stupid enough to say, in a previous relationship, 'I'm going to be with this person for ever,' and realized, as I grew, that I don't know if forever is possible."

Sorry Gabriel, but Halle Berry seems to anticipate that you and her will soon bid each other goodbye...

"Dickney Spears," Blasted By German Fans

2009-07-29T11:07:00.004-04:00

Britney Spears was not able to impress her German fans from her Circus World Tour recently held in O2 World in Berlin.

Angry fans say that the expensive ticket price was unworthy of the lame performance given by the fat Britney Spears. They labeled her "Dickney" and Speckney" which both mean "fat" in German. Some say it got worst when the pop princess snubbed a group of fans gathered outside her hotel by not signing few photographs but sending out her management to give printed autograph cards instead.

This report was according to German tabloid Bild. Photos of a fuller Britney Spears were also featured. Some, however, believed that the photos were photoshopped since other images and videos from the concert shows a shaper Britney.

Hola, Rise Of The Merkins!

2009-07-24T09:01:00.005-04:00

Merkins, actually a socially acceptable term for vagina wigs, are gaining mainstream popularity these days as one of the kinkiest fashion accessories for women.

Merkins were originally used as cover ups for genital sores of prostitutes in the 15th Century. Later, they were worn in filming movies to avoid full frontals and yeah, lower MPAA ratings. (FYI: Kate Winslet wore a merkin in The Reader to increase her amount of pubic hair.)

Today, merkins are making a comeback to accessorize that sexy, delicate part of your body. As they say, merkins offer fashionable options when feeling "a bit chilly or need to go all out for a really special occasion."

Says one merkin lover:

"I don't know how we got along without them as an integral part of our wardrobes. In fact, I can think of hundreds of ways to incorporate the merkin into any and all of my outfits. Night out with the girls? Sequined merkin. Day at the park? Turf merkin (000 matchy matchy). Interview? Tweed merkin (perhaps a tad scratchy)."

Mischa Barton On Psychiatric Hold

2009-07-17T07:45:00.002-04:00

The OC star Mischa Barton was held under Section 5150 involuntary psychiatric ward at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Under 5150, a person can be held involuntarily in the psychiatric ward when they present a danger to themselves or others, or suffer from a mental disorder.

Police reported that the 23-year old actress called to ask assistance for a "health problem." LAPD Officer April Harding said there were no paramedics involved and they "assisted her with a medical issue and removed her from her home."

Mischa Barton's 5150 psychiatric ward was the same place that Britney Spears went into twice in 2008.

Brad Pitt's Basterd Advice: Don't Talk And Pee

2009-07-16T09:22:00.005-04:00

Probably for the promotion of his upcoming Inglourious Basterds movie, Brad Pitt appeared on the cover of Wired magazine this month. Aside from talking about his glam life, Angelina Jolie and the kids, and his charitable efforts, he also provided words of advice through "Ask a Basterd" column.

The life-changing question was, "Is it acceptable to talk on the phone while urinating?"

Brad Pitt advices:

"No, you can't talk on the phone! Do you want the guy next to you to hear your entire conversation? That's why you should only text in the bathroom. Just be sure you don't hit the wrong button and end up putting a photo of your junk on Twitter. Trust me, you don't want those followers."

FYI: Robert Pattinson Is Amazing In Bed!

2009-07-15T08:22:00.004-04:00

In this as-crazy-as-it-is-glitzy world of Hollywood, even an ordinary happening in the lives of common people becomes a talk-of-the-town when it has something to do with celebrities. And for most young people out there who just can't get enough of the Twilight drama, this will probably make great news:

Robert Pattinson (aka Edward) is "amazing" in bed!

This was according to the actor's former girlfriend who shared a "very passionate" 2-month relationship with him, just last year.

According to her unnamed ex on National Enquirer, "We just had this chemistry between us that made our kisses amazing. I felt electricity go between us! I’m really passionate, as is he. That’s why, no matter how much we fought, it was always amazing in bed! We’d glance at each other throughout the night because it made it more exciting when we got home. The tension was so strong, we couldn’t control ourselves. It was amazing!"

Ohhlala. That's some kinky news, Twilight fans. So how do we hook up a man like Robert Pattinson? Click through the link and find out.

Kate Winslet Puts Back Her Breasts

2009-07-09T08:37:00.003-04:00

At the age of 33, Kate Winslet becomes the the youngest actor of either sex to receive six Academy Awards nominations. She has already proved her worth as an actress, so to speak.

So now, Kate Winslet has this confidence of not showing her breasts and do nudity in films just to earn an award:

"If people are noticing my boobs in a movie and saying they do what real boobs do, then that’s great.

"I'll be 34 in October. I can’t keep getting away with (nudity). There was so much of it in The Reader because the story required it, but people have seen enough of my bum and my boobs. I have to put them back."

Yes, acting is more important than showing breasts. But put them back? Some say Kate Winslet is just a little too young to say no-no to nudity.

Angelina Jolie And David Beckham Together

2009-07-08T12:19:00.002-04:00

Angelina Jolie has been reported to work with David Beckham and wife Victoria for Armani fashion house.

While the Beckhams will strip together for the Armani underwear line, Angelina Jolie will exude her oh-so-sexy scent as she becomes the face of a new Emporio Armani perfume.

But rumor has it that Angelina Jolie and David Beckham will also pose together for Armani:

"When you have David Beckham and Angelina Jolie signed up to your fashion house it's a no-brainer to link them up. There are a few contract issues to be addressed but marketing experts are being tasked with coming up with clever ideas for a print campaign," says a source for The Insider.

Armani execs reportedly needed to have a big star to help push the fragrance - and they were lucky to have Angelina Jolie, today's most powerful actress, to sign the deal.

"She's giving a lot of input on that stuff already, picking the photographers and directors. The campaign is going to be bold."

New David and Victoria Beckham Ads For Armani

2009-07-03T15:48:00.003-04:00

WHOA! for the new Armani underwear ads by David and Victoria Beckam. The fall 2009 ad campaign was shot in Milan by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Sexy and toned couple, aren't they? We don't care really if they're wearing Armani underwear or not...

No Public Viewing For Michael Jackson At Neverland

2009-07-02T16:44:00.003-04:00

The family of the late Michael Jackson has released a statement that denies the public and private viewing of the King of Pop in his Neverland Ranch:

"Contrary to previous news reports, the Jackson family is officially stating that there will be no public or private viewing at Neverland. Plans are underway regarding a public memorial for Michael Jackson, and we will announce those plans shortly."

Neverland has been a very special place for Jacko who owned the property since 1987. Unfortunately, he cannot lie in Neverland as a dead man because his family was unable to obtain a residential exemption required for a burial on private property.

The Michael Jackson funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Los Angeles’ Staples Center.

A Punch For Perez Hilton!

2009-06-26T10:02:00.003-04:00

Perez Hilton, the celebrity blogger who writes about other people's drama, has spilled his own drama to the world when he claimed being punched by Black Eyed Peas' tour manager.

According to Perez Hilton (Mario Lavandeira in real life) he got into an argument with band members Fergie and will.i.am at the Cobra nightclub in Toronto and was punched by Polo Molina, the band's tour manager.

The blogger told the Associated Press that will.i.am. came up to him and said that he should not write about his band on his blogsite. Perez Hilton, in all his "meanness," apparently refused and called the singer a "faggot" and a gay:

"He was like 'You need to respect me.' He was in my face. He was obviously trying to intimidate me and scare me. I was like 'I don't need to respect you. I don't respect you and I did say this, and I knew that it would be the worst thing I could possibly say to him because he was acting the way he was. I said 'You know what, I don't respect you and you're gay and stop being such a faggot.'"

Perez Hilton was about to leave the club when he was punched from behind.

On his Twitter account, the blogger wrote: "I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke." He also posted his attack video on YouTube.

Sadly though, there was little sympathy for Perez Hilton. (Honestly, I couldn't find any comments on the Web that favors the blogger.) It was like all praises were on the Black Eyed Peas. Even celebrities like Kelly Clarkson expressed how she liked Perez Hilton being punched - a "violence" worth the cause.

These were just three of the million comments on the web about the whole Perez Hilton vs will.i.am thing:

You talk ***** on people for a living then complain about getting punched in the face. Be a man and...oh wait never mind forgot who we were talking about.
- STBAT25STBAT25

Am I the only one who has noticed how hypocritical the whole Perez calling Will.I.Am a faggot thing is? Isn’t Perez the asshole who made such a big deal out of the whole Miss. California thing and now comes out saying that the biggest insult he could think of is telling someone they’re gay? Hell he deserves to at least lose a limb for that level of hypocrisy.
- Geegollyitsjosh

BOOM BOOM POW! LOL. Perez is sure bitchin up a storm. He claims he got punched in the eye, but I don't see a bruise(unless he has it covered up with concealer). Anyway,what I want to know is what did Fergie do to him for him to call her a "Fugly Bitch"? All he does is talk so much crap about people,didn't it dawn on him that sooner or later someone was gonna get fed up with his trash talking. He's lucky he just got punched.
- FLQuietStorm

Geez. Better check the video and "say" for yourself:

Farah Fawcett Dies

2009-06-25T15:46:00.002-04:00

Farrah Fawcett's long battle with cancer is finally over.

She died today at 9:28 a.m. PST at St. John’s Heath Center in Santa Monica, California. She was 62.

Cameron Diaz Gets Her Star

2009-06-23T10:43:00.003-04:00

Cameron Diaz flashed out her signature smile as she posed on her own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Monday. With family, friends, and hundred of fans, she received the 2,386th star, honoring her work in a wide range of films.

The actress happily commented "It was what has given me the strength and courage to live this extraordinary life and it is what powers the light that burns inside of me, bright enough for me to be honored today with this star on the Walk of Fame."

"It will be cool to be under people's feet. It really is the place where people can understand exactly that actors are not really stars - they don't exist in the sky, they exist on the ground just like everybody else," Cameron Diaz also told the Hollywood Reporter.