Smell Like a Star

Sarah Jessica Parker and her new fragrance "Covet."

Left to right: Diamonds by Emporio Armani, $64 for 3.4oz, www.macys.com; Unforgivable for Women by Sean John, $55 for 2.5oz, www.sephora.com; Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, $52 for 1.5oz, www.nordstrom.com; Usher for Her, $52 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com

Left to right: L by L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani, $55 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com; M by Mariah, $62.50 for 3.3oz, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Baby Phat Golden Goddess by Kimora Lee Simmons, $52 for 3.4oz, www.babyphat.com; Glow by J Lo Gift Set, $60, www.macys.com

It isn’t enough to have mutli-platinum selling albums or number one movies. Now celebrities are almost expected to leverage their name to seemingly unrelated business ventures. Fashion lines, liquor and even car rims are all fair game, but the fragrance is the ultimate celebrity venture. What could be better than being immortalized into a sweet scent?

If stars aren’t making their own fragrances they're lending their status to promote others, a la Beyonce for Armani’s “Diamonds.” I have and love J Lo’s “Glow” and I’ve smelt Diddy’s “Unforgivable” – very spicy and not in a good way. As for the others I’m no expert, but I’ve heard great things about both Sarah Jessica Parker’s fragrances. Leave comments for your fellow readers about any of the brands above or others you love.

P.S. My all time favorite scent is “Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana. ;)

Beach Babes

Beyonce on holiday in South of France on June 15th, 2007.

Selita Ebanks shooting the latest Victoria’s Secret swimwear campaign last month.

Serena poolside on vacation on June 26th, 2007.

Mariah on holiday last week.

Cassie on vacation in Miami December 30th, 2006.

I’m about to go on holiday to Miami and best believe my bikini body workout schedule is in full effect! I have a shape similar to Beyonce’s (though my legs are nowhere near as toned!), so I’m looking for bikini’s that show off my curves but hold everything in. Let me tell you about a mortifying experience I had in Jamaica once. My best friend decided to take me to all the must-see landmarks of her great island and I was enjoying the personal tour until we got to Dunn Rivers Falls. I had no idea that we had to climb this thing and turned up dressed in a completely inappropriate bikini. Suffice to say the strong currents and jagged rocks pulled my bikini bottoms down not once, but a horrifying four times during our climb. My fellow tourists were highly amused but I’m still traumatized. I’m not going out like that this year so I’m taking plenty of sports bikinis (basically anything without strings!).

Style on the Go…

Laila Ali attending ESPN The Magazine's Summer Fun Party on The Lady Windridge Yacht at Chelsea Piers earlier this month in New York City.

Eve posing backstage after an appearance on MTV's Total Request Live June 11, 2007 in New York City.

Kelly Rowland seen arriving at BBC Radio studios in London on June 07, 2007.

Mariah Carey at the Fresh Air Fund's Salute to American Heroes gala at Tavern on the Green on June 7, 2007 in New York City.

Since her successful run on “Dancing with the Stars,” Laila Ali has looked nothing but flawless during recent public appearances. Whoever is styling her is doing a great job of accentuating her curves and long legs. Who knew she could look so feminine. Definite Upgrade!

I applaud Eve for trying something different with this look but I’m not sold on the pink leggings. The hair is also going to take a little more convincing, but Eve definitely has a unique sense of style. I wonder how her new album will fare in the era of Rihanna, Cassie and Beyonce. Good luck with that.

Could Kelly Rowland be anymore fabulous? The world just doesn’t appreciate her like they should. I need to lay my hands on a pair of those skinny capris pronto. They’re too cute. I also want to know who does her hair. Weaving techniques have come a looooooong way baby.

Mariah Carey is the most shocking of all. The usually overzealous diva opted for a more demure and understated look. I can’t believe she chose a dress length within walking distance of her knee. I almost didn’t recognize her when I first saw this pic. Let us enjoy this Mimi until the next emancipation begins.