Amid this impending weight-loss hysteria, Cosmo published a super interesting article about the emotional power of clothing sizes. And, speaking as a girl gearing up for a fabulous week-long spring break cruise to the Bahamas, I could not relate more.

The battle arises yearly. Lose weight! Get into shape! Drop a size and feel good about your body when it’s time to hit the beach.

But these days, losing a pant size may not mean you’ve actually lost weight. A size 2 nowadays could be as much as 3 inches bigger than a size 2 just 10 years ago — which Cosmo calls “vanity sizing.” When you think about it, it’s brilliant…for them. If I could fit into a size 2 at a store, you’d better believe I’d buy the place out. So, if manufacturers by default make their products just a bit bigger than normal (throwing the size spectrum out of whack), they can make their customers feel good about themselves AND make a huge profit. There’s just something gratifying about being able to drop a size; we’ve become inherently number-centric and it’s only going to get worse!

This got me wondering how well “vanity sizing” works. As a test, I decided to ask 10 of my friends if they’d be more likely to buy clothes from a store that “inflated” their sizes — aka, they’d be able to fit into a size or two smaller than normal. ALL of them said yes. Without hesitation. All of them!

The thing I’ve always loved about bevello is that the company truly does cater to all sizes. When we ran as an online boutique, we put our clothes on all REAL people — real shapes, real sizes. And, honestly, I think that’s the way to go. Because, when it boils down to it…size ain’t nothin’ but a number. Preach!

Crooning by Ol’ Blue Eyes (that’s Frank Sinatra, children) seems to make people more inclined to want to try on romantic dresses with ruffles and “dancing hems.” On the contrary, a little Jay-Z can have a grandma in a leather jacket before you can say “grizzo.” Or at least, that’s what I think.

Is music really that influential to shoppers? I think so, but I could be wrong. Any blogvello fans want to chime in on this? As usual, there’s incentive…post below with your favorite music to shop to for a chance to win a $20 bevello gift certificate. Sweet! Don’t forget to take the poll, either. No gift certificate for doing that, just love from the bevello bloggers.

Well, we set out to find the hottest ways to make your Valentine’s statement WITHOUT going overboard. Yes, you CAN find ways to embrace the holiday without looking cheesy. These look-at-me pieces around will add a subtle hint of holiday spirit to your ensemble, whether you’re trying to either a) sweep your sig other off his everlovin’ feet or b) become a magnet for cupid’s arrow.

I can’t help but find this BeBe bag to be absolutely presh. Pair this with your favorite dress and add a festive (yet subtle) touch to your night’s outfit.

Yep, that’s right. LIPS. Tacky? Maybe. But pair it with a black mini-dress and you’ve got yourself a statement.

Add a floral touch to your look with this Rosette necklace from Arden B. It’s not too loud, but definitely girly and fun!

Those are just a few to try on for size — but the idea is to create an outfit as you would normally, then complete it with a good, festive accessory. I think you’ll find that with this holiday, less is more.

Think you have the hottest Valentine’s outfit? Post a picture in the comments! We’d love to see!

For the sake of our readership’s sanity, we chose to stick with a logical formula. What do you get when you cross one of LA’s favorite new designers with Hollywood’s best and brightest (and Paris Hilton)? That’s right: delicious ready-to-wear cocktail dresses in all colors of the rainbow.

There are a ton of options available at bevello (and even more from the Han herself), but here are some of the most popular choices among celebrities. Anyone want to play the “Who Wore It Best?” game?

Kimmy K in The Chic Dress by Voom

Item A: The Chic Dress by Voom

Who wore it best? Well, she’s the only one we can find in it, other than our gorgeous customers.

Honestly? Kim Kardashian looks good in everything, so I wasn’t surprised she rocked it. What did throw me for a loop was that this dress is just like the jeans in SOTTP, it fits everyone and genuinely looks good on every size. It also pairs well with any color heels (some fun purple ones would be a cool look) and is comfortable enough to dance in.

Worth the $245 bevello price tag? I believe so, madame.

Item B: The Sandra Bubble Dress by Voom

Who wore it best? Ugh. I hate to say it, but Paris was looking tres chic and about 40 feet tall in this number, affectionately dubbed “The Sprite Can Dress” by one observant boyfriend at bevello. Love the tights, P. In case you were curious, Deja Kreutzberg is the other person wearing the dress. In case you have no idea who Deja Kreutzberg is (we didn’t either), she was in Sorority Row… which may be why you have no idea who she is.

My only issue with both of these ladies is that they wore their hair down. With a dress like that (the back laces up like a corset and there’s a killer silver sash), I’d like to see a slick ponytail or a simple updo.

P.S. This dress has pockets. OMG.

Item C: The Most Popular Dress in Hollywood…The Gwen Babydoll Dress

Jennifer Stone in the Gwen Babydoll Dress

Stephanie Pratt in The Gwen Babydoll Dress

Lea Michele (Glee) in The Gwen Babydoll Dress

Who wore it best?

This is a tough one. Kay Panabaker is eliminated for poor posture in this picture (for shame!) and Jennifer Stone is eliminated for the shoes (too many stripes). Stephanie and Lea are both doing two things right. First, they both have killer, sculpted Michelle Obama arms that are highlighted by the woven rope straps. Second, they both have simple, tall heels. I like Panabaker’s idea of flats with this dress (it feels casual enough), but a babydoll style like this does wonders for lengthening one’s legs when paired with a good heel.

N.B. This dress also comes with bright purple, Cheshire cat-esque stripes which give the dress a whole new, flirtier look. Valentine’s Day, anyone?

Jaci Gentile, y'all

What drew you to bevello (why did you want to work for us)? 

I loved the small company mentality and that I would be able to be involved in all aspects of the business (social media, planning events, etc.), not just standing behind a counter selling clothes. The fact that I love the merchandise that I’m surrounded by everyday didn’t hurt either!

Other than work/shop/play at bevello, what else do you do? 

I’m a huge bookworm… I’ll read anything from Shakespeare to online blogs to the back of the cereal box. Right now I’m interning at John F. Blair Publisher, a small independent book publishing company here in Winston, where I get to read manuscripts all day and then send out rejection letters. I also love writing (I’ve kept a journal since I was 6 years old), making lists (mainly just crossing things off them), and pretending I’m a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance in my bedroom.

Describe your personal style.   

For me, clothes are all about comfort. I’m obsessed with anything silk, cashmere,  or soft cotton. I like slouchy sweaters and flowy tunics with skinny jeans during the day. When it comes to shoes, though, I adhere to the saying “beauty is pain”… my feet are going to hate me in a few years, but right now it’s worth it to be able to squeeze my poor feet into those blister-inducing 4 inch heels.

Jaci by Natalie

What is your favorite trend right now? What do you see being big for spring? 

Right now, as North Carolina temperatures dip to their lowest levels of the winter, I don’t think I could live without a few cute, colorful scarves. They never go out of style and dress up even the plainest basics and coats. As for spring styles, I think metallics and sequin-covered accessories will continue to be big (what girl doesn’t love to sparkle?), as well as voluminous skirts paired with body-hugging tops (leotards, anyone?).

What do you think is the worst fashion mistake a girl could make?

Having bad posture (yes, I’m going to sound like your mother for a second… deal with it). I know it’s not exactly a ‘fashion’ mistake in the what-not-to-wear sense, but have you ever seen a slouchy, slump-shouldered girl whose clothes actually appear to fit her well? Nope. By pulling back your shoulders and standing up tall, all your clothes will fall better on your body and you’ll look so much more confident. 

Jaci would totally wear this discrete outfit if it weren't for the posture...

What is the fashion staple every girl should have in her closet? 

A thin, cotton layering tee… it can go under everything from jackets to sweaters, is appropriate for all ages and is never outdated.

Jaci's 5 year plan?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I’ve always wanted to have a column where I could write about whatever popped into my head that day with minimal editorial input (now that I think about it, I think nowadays that job title is ‘blogger’). I basically want to be Kate Hudson’s character in How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, minus the crazy fake girlfriend behavior. But if, for some crazy-strange reason, that doesn’t work out, I’d love to write for a fashion/travel/lifestyle magazine.

Who is your celebrity fashion icon? Why?

Definitely Rachel Bilson. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in a bad outfit. She somehow wears really basic, simple pieces and makes it look like the first time anyone’s ever paired them together. Effortlessly genius.  Plus, she’s got a bag collection that is to die for.

Rachel Bilson, Jaci's Hero

What is your favorite item in-store right now and why?

C. Luce’s black faux-leather jacket… it’s really edgy (which isn’t my usual style in the least bit) and has just the right amount of embellishment so that you don’t look like a tattooed motorcycle babe. Now I just gotta work up the courage to wear it with some attitude!

Marie Claire Cover

Uhhhh…….

The February issue of Marie Claire Australia featured a nude and un-airbrushed “real woman” (Jennifer Hawkins) on it’s cover in an effort to support The Butterfly Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping Australians who have negative-body image issues and eating disorders. Well, as is the case with most nude covers , this one has caused quite a stir, especially among women.

Some of the questions and comments from readers on the cover have echoed my exact thoughts:

“How is that not airbrushed?”

“Is that Fergie?

“How will this possibly help people who don’t like their bodies?”

“Was she really the best candidate for this job?”

“What’s the big drama? I’d pose like that too, if I were her.”

“It’s actually pretty brave of her not to be airbrushed.”

“I could look like that if I had unlimited money for expensive food and a personal trainer….and money to buy more discipline.”

“This only promotes women as sex objects.”

“I wish I was a sex object.”

“I should probably put down the Baskin Robbins.”

Not all women are able to be (or should be!) Hawkin’s size, and I do wish there had been multiple body types represented on the magazine. There’s some magazine that consistently features three women in their 20s, 30s and 40s…does anyone know what it is? They have the right idea. Different beauty, all appreciated, not as much of a standard mold.

My final consensus? It’s a waste of time to agonize over the cover, just like it’s a waste of time to agonize over being J. Hawkin’s exact BMI. Sure, it’s easy to jealous-hate-on someone who is gorgeous without airbrushing (like I did for the first 20 minutes after seeing the cover), but in the end it isn’t worth the energy that you could have been putting into work, cooking, volunteering, reading, learning Italian or oh, I don’t know, do something healthy.

Related: the Self cover scandal with Kelly Clarkson. The blog by Jezebel does a good job of honestly discussing the situation and quoting from both sides. They’re clearly disagreeing with Self , but give plenty of reason why. Article One talks about the cover and Article Two talks about Self’s response. Interesting!

Sarah, looking precious as usual

Q: What drew you to bevello? (why did you want to work for us)? 

I loved bevello’s unique, everyday clothing, and the fun, friendly atmosphere. Bevello’s philosophy on customer service also attracted me…do unto others as you would have them do unto you!

Q: Other than work/shop/play at bevello, what else do you do?  

I work at Graylyn as a waitress and also as an event planning intern. I also enjoy reading in my free time. 

Describe your personal style.  

I think my style is fairly low-key and casual, or shabby chic. I like wearing dresses and cute boots when I go out.

What is your favorite trend right now? What do you see being big for spring? 

I see soft and flowy skirts and dresses with girly prints will be big for Spring 2010.  

What do you think is the worst fashion mistake a girl could make? 

 I think the worst mistake is having a run in your pantyhose. I also really can’t stand really (almost white) light-washed jeans. Gross. 

Sarah would NOT approve...

What is the fashion staple every girl should have in her closet?  

Definitely a simple, well-fitting, black t-shirt. 

Banana Republic Short-sleeve luxe tee, $35

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

I’d like to be an Interior Decorator or a banker. 

Who is your celebrity fashion icon? Why?  

Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston. I love their casual-chic style.

What is your favorite item in-store right now and why? 

I’m really loving [RYU:]’s Beige Rabbit Fur Sweater, it’s so soft and can go with anything you wear!

This even extends to how we dress for New Year’s Eve. Suddenly the queen of the soccer t-shirts from days of yore will roam the earth for a night in precariously high stilettos and a dress that would make a Kardashian blush, all in the name of champagne, dropping a sparkly crystal ball from the sky at midnight, and acting like a completely different person – definitely for the night, and at least for a month or two. Alas, old habits return to their usual throne.  Let’s make a new resolution for tonight:  instead of spending our energy trying to become something completely different, let’s focus on being a shinier version of ourselves at our best – for New Year’s Eve and the rest of the year.  

Resolution No.1:  I will not be upset that I am not Gisele, Audrey Hepburn, Beyonce, Halle, Sophia Loren… (you get the idea), nor will I try to impersonate any of the aforementioned parties.  

Hot look, but a little out of place at your average New Year's festivities.

Of course borrowing inspiration from classic iconic style is a great way to put together a New Year’s Eve party look, but if you don’t normally walk around like Liza Minelli, there’s no reason to start the year a Cabaret. Wouldn’t you rather people want to impersonate you for your own great style?   Use your minds ladies, be creative!  Find one special thing to be the star of your outfit and build a style around it.  You can’t expect the clothes on the rack to do all the work, right?

Resolution No. 2:  I will not look at the size on the tag; it has no power over me.  I will look in the mirror and choose honestly what looks best on me, wear it, and happily accept the compliments.

Yes, the shoes are cute. And yes, the skin-tight dress is sexy, in a really obvious way.  However, if you can’t walk, breathe, or eat normally, you won’t look cute, sexy, or hot. Fit is not only a comfort thing, it’s essential to making clothes look good; while it’s okay to aspire to be a size whatever in a reasonable amount of time later in the year, if you aren’t that size now, don’t wear it.  And don’t sweat it.  You will look thinner wearing something that actually fits.  

Balance a fitted pencil skirt with a cinched-waist floaty top in a silk charmeuse or rayon blend.  Or wear a skirt with volume with a strapless top or delicate and simple cami.  It’s all about balance.  Pick the part of you that you feel needs some slimming, and wear some volume above or below it – but don’t cover your widest part with volume, or you will accentuate the proportional imbalance you’re trying to hide.

Now THAT is how to wear a full skirt!

Resolution No. 3:  I will not be afraid of color or shiny things.

For goodness sakes, Saffron Yellow and Peacock Green don’t bite!  New Year’s Eve is a great time to try a bright color as long as it flatters the undertones in your skin and hair — just think how you will stand out in a sea of black, white and “safe” colors. 

Sequins, beads, and shiny things are also not tacky in the proper proportion.  We promise.  Appropriately placed sparkle is festive and perfect for ringing in the new year.  Make sure to play with textures; wear a luscious satin top with a beaded neckline with jeans and pearl leather shoes (thrown on a slouchy wool cardigan for even more texture contrast).  If you have on a matte fabric dress, try wearing a cropped jacket in a winter white fur (faux or otherwise, your call) and try some leggings or tights with a sheen and some crocodile pumps.  Basically, toss out the rules, and TRY IT ON.  It is the layering of different textures, lengths and patterns that makes an outfit not only personal and interesting, but WARM…it’s much less likely that you’ll get a New Year’s kiss with chattering teeth.

This article brought to you by Winston-Salem’s funkiest shopgirl, Hillary Norman.

And all you’re left with is broken ornament shards ground into the carpet, more candy canes than even Rudolf would know what to do with, and the petrifying possibility that a perfect, heart-stopping New Years kiss with a Brad Pitt look-a-like might possibly NOT be in your future. Hopefully you’re left with a few spiffy new gifts too, but who can think of those at such a worrisome time of the year? This is serious emotional stuff we’re dealing with here.

So if you’re weepy, cranky, melancholy or any other unattractive emotion that turns otherwise likable people into sad-sacks around this time of year, here are a few suggestions to perk up even the worst case of post-holiday depression. Because after all, sad-sacks are not only lame to hang out with, but they definitely don’t get New Years kisses at the stroke of midnight. 

Blog it out. I’ve always thought that personal blogs were the online equivalent of the obnoxious letters that some people (you know who you are) send out with their Christmas cards, updating the world on Little Johnny’s star performance on the football field and Princess Suzy’s acceptance to Harvard. Harsh but true:  nobody (with exception to your mother and that creepy kid from fourth grade who still stalks your Facebook profile) cares about every detail of your life. I think that’s also why I have such a hard time grasping the concept of Twitter… seriously? You went to the supermarket and saw a potato that looks like Homer Simpson? Sweet, thanks for letting the entire world know, you weirdo.  But I digress. Personal blogs can actually be a pretty therapeutic way to get all those yucky post-holiday emotions out into the universe and start getting back to the normal, fun and interesting person that we all know you are. Plus, your friends and family don’t have to listen to you whine and mope. Tell it to the blog. The blog won’t judge. The blog won’t tell you to suck it up and stop ruining everyone else’s fun. The blog won’t scold you for eating an entire carton of ice cream while watching Glee reruns. Probably no one will read it, and those who do accidentally stumble upon it might not really care that you’re feeling lousy, but you’ll feel better. I promise. And if you don’t, this post has two more tips, so go try those. 

Get out and/or plan some stuff. Okay, so that’s a little vague… but when was the last time you went ice skating? Round up a group of people and plan an outing to your local rink. Watching your friends faceplant on the ice will no doubt bring a smile to even the grouchiest Grinch. Still searching for New Years plans? Don’t wait around to be invited somewhere… throw your own party! The planning will keep your mind off the naked, dying Christmas tree in the trash heap and the anticipation of your amazing event will totally alleviate your holiday hangover symptoms. 

Retail Therapy. Maybe you didn’t quite make Santa’s nice list this year and that zebra-print Snuggie you had your heart set on wasn’t under the tree on Christmas morning. Sorry. It’s a bummer that you’ll be stuck using a regular blanket without sleeves. Hope your arms don’t get too cold. But I’ve learned, through many years of research and testing, that the best gifts are usually the ones with the tags that read “from me, to ME.” So gather up that Christmas cash, search out the receipt for those crazy toe-socks that Aunt Mildred thought “looked just like you” and go get something nice for yourself… possibly at a cute little boutique with both Raleigh and Winston-Salem locations? I know of a good one…

Ah, the joy of warm arms!

This article brought to you by Winston-Salem’s own shopgirl-extraordinaire, Jaci Gentile.

The 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion show has come and gone — this one possibly topping all the rest in VS fashion history.

The show featured a 140-foot catwalk, 100 lbs of glitter, 124 feet of hair extensions, and a $3 million dollar bra. (Yep, that’s just ONE bra — a 150-carat jewel-encrusted bra, worn by Marisa Miller and designed by the Italian jeweler Damiani.) The Black Eyed Peas were musical guests, and, needless to say, Fergie rocked it out.

If you didn’t catch the show on TV, check it out in full on Hulu.

Fun fact: it took over 200 hours to create all the wings you see during the show. Keep an eye out for them!

P.S. My roommates and I find that the show is best watched with a plate of cookies in tow. Just sayin’.