So I was hanging out with Tim Gunn the other night…yes, that Tim Gunn, and yes, I was really hanging out with him!  Tim Gunn was in Cincinnati to kick off the SmartTalk Connected Conversation Series at the Aronoff.  Tim packed the house with the VIP reception party prior to the event.  Gracious as ever, he really took the time to meet people, ask them questions, sign portfolios, and even encourage some design students that were hanging on his every word (understandably).  I envision those young fashion design students to be dedicating their early influencers to Mr. Gunn.  Tim was everything a star should be…kind, gracious to his fans, and engaging.

Tim’s speech was equally engaging, as he shared his experiences at Parsons, Fashion Runway, Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style, and Hollywood.  Tim’s style is to “make it work” for your particular body style.  He isn’t trying to push a near-skeletal frame to women, insisting that it’s the only way fashion will work on a woman’s body.  Instead, he personalizes style more to the individual.  And he delivers it all with his unmistakable “Tim Gunn” charm.   He has a confidence that just oozes from him.  Classy, yet not stuffy.  Kind to the core.  Kudos to SmartTalk on thinking out of the box with January’s speaker (first male celebrity ever!)  Join us in February as SmartTalk welcomes Arianna Huffington to the Aronoff in Cincinnati.  Click here for tickets and information.

The beautiful chameleon that is Katy Perry turns 27 today.  Katy’s outrageous and gorgeous style makes her an icon.   She takes rock-starring to a whole new level with her over the top style…which she so rocks.  Check our her amazing style!

From platinum blonde to jet black hair, Drew has been spawning trends for decades.  Her hippie-chic bohemian style makes her pop right off the screen.  Check out some of Drew’s fabulous looks over the years:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6OeRxHG484&feature=related

In a sentence….This Voda Swim bikini is the most amazing bikini I’ve ever had!  Not only is it the best fitting bikini, but it’s also the most stylish bikini.  The gorgeous bikini to the left, the Midnight Envy, is the one I have, and I rank it five stars across the board.

Voda’s ingenious Envy Push Up technology bikini tops gives instant lift and serious cleavage.  It can also make you look 1-2 cup sizes bigger as well.  You feel the difference immediately.  Gone are the days of two triangle pieces of fabric with stings attached.  This is serious technology right in your bikini top.  It’s detailed with beautiful Turquoise stones in both the top and bottoms, which gives it a rich, high-end look.

The bikini bottoms are made to fit, as if tailored for your body.  They adhere to your body like a glove.  The beautiful detailing makes it perfect to go from the pool, straight out to lunch with a cute wrap or cover up.

There’s no doubt, you’ll have the hottest bikini at the beach this summer with your Voda Swim bikini.  Check out their entire line here. I already have my eye on my next bikini, the Coral Envy Push Up Hoop Halter and Scoop. Ridiculously sexy!

Do you know a peep toe pump from a platform shoe?  Do you know a stiletto from a sling back?

Shoe Terminology 101:

The Stiletto:  Stilettos are long, thin, and super-high heels  found on boots and shoes.  Stiletto heels may vary in length, from 1 inch to  10 inches or more if a platform sole is used…however, we’ve come to think of stilettos as being extremely high, with a pencil-thin heel.

Peep toe:  Not quite an open toe, and not quite a closed toe heel, the peep toe offers just a glimpse of your toes and your pedicure (make sure to have one if you opt for the peep toe).    Since it’s not quite an open toe, many times you can pull the peep toe off in the corporate world.  It can be professional when done properly.

Sling backs, an ultra classic.  What makes them a sling backs?   It’s the strap around the heel that makes it a sling back.  Otherwise, this would be a platform pump.  The sling back is a super sexy option, and makes your legs look long and shapely.

The platform:  Almost no heel has gained as much popularity in the last five years as the platform heel.  Once a choice of exotic dancers everywhere, platforms hit the Hollywood scene, and crossed over into the luxury set.  Platforms are actually more comfortable than you might think.  The front base of the heel creates the illusion that your foot is arched far more than it is.

The Wedge:  So the 70s called and demanded to be relevant again.  And that’s exactly what happened.  We embraced the wedge heel again as if were were tree-hugging-hippies in 1976 and added our new millennium chic twist.  The results have been phenomenal, and the wedge is relevant again.

Have you developed your signature style?  Developing one’s signature style entails far more than being a slave to the latest skinny leg trend.  To develop your signature style, you need to find what works for your body.  Forcing yourself to wear skinny leg jeans or high-waisted, just because they are in style, does not align with a signature style.  Pick pieces that you know look great on you…then stick with it and develop your wardrobe around those pieces.  Accentuate the good, get rid of the bad.  Choose wisely when you shop.  Signature style is really that easy.

Ryan Reynolds is picking up the title of Sexiest Man Alive 2010 on the cover of People magazine.  Since “sexy” is relative to the eye of the beholder, it may be unfair to call him the sexiest man alive, but Ryan certainly does warrant a “sexier than most” man alive award.  Warranted, and well-deserved!  Ryan joins the ranks of Hollywood heart throbs who have been crowned with the title in the past, i.e, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Harry Hamlin (yes!), Harrison Ford (so yes!), amongst many gorgeous-faced others.  Ryan Reynolds in 2010…do you agree or disagree?

Our favorite “housewife” from the OC shows us how to work that Gretchen-flip-bang.  It’s a gorgeous look for long hair.  Watch and learn, BBs. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_TNehgEg3A

“A girl should be two things:  Classy and fabulous.”  …Coco Chanel

Quote of the Day:  “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.”  Kate Moss on being skinny.