Off the Rack

Do you know what it feels like to be smart, hard-working . . . and completely underrated because of the way you look? Then we want to hear your story! PEOPLE magazine is looking for real life “Ugly Bettys,” who like the character America Ferrera plays on the popular TV show, are “an ordinary girl – a slightly plump plain-Jane,” as ABC puts it. Maybe, like Betty, your intelligence, warm heart and hard work is overlooked because you aren’t as glamorous as your competition (a.k.a. Amanda).

How did you manage to get ahead despite your offbeat appearance? What pressures did you feel to fit in and how did you face them? What’s the meanest thing anyone ever said to you? Did you ultimately decide to undergo a makeover — and, if so, why? If not — how did you get people to take you seriously? What advice would you give to all the other “Ugly Bettys” out there?

Click here to submit your digital photos and a summary of your story, in 200 words or less, to PEOPLE. And remember: Ugly is the new Beautiful!

Photo: RON TOM/abc

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Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Gwen Stefani — add Christina Aguilera to the ever-growing list of pop stars with their own fragrance. She just announced a deal with Procter 7 Gamble to create a line of her own signature scents, with a yet-to-be determined release date. Christina says of her decision to put her name on a fragrance, “I love trying new things in my music and in fashion. To have a perfume of my own is the beginning of an exciting adventure.” As if selling over 25 million albums hasn’t been keeping her busy enough! Tell us: Will you buy Christina’s perfume?

Photo: Charles Sykes/Rex USA

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We Project Runway fanatics think Tim Gunn has impeccable taste (check out his takes on celeb style in our Stylewatch issues), and we are thrilled that he likes our taste too! Turns out that the silver-haired fox is wearing a shawl-collared “knock-out” Ted Baker tuxedo that he snagged on his Sexiest Man Alive photoshoot for PEOPLE, “[it] fit perfectly, so that’s what I’m wearing! It’s made out of kevlar so if any bullets fly my way I’ll be protected.” Hmm. Perhaps he worried that someone might take his Today show commentary on the red carpet the wrong way? As for the gowns themselves, he says that he expects to see “a little bit of everything. It should be a lot of fun!” We think so, too — for more of the latest news and gossip on the Golden Globes, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic

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Kate Middleton has been shopping on the high street again and everyone (including us) loves it! Prince William’s girlfriend, who turned 25 this week, was snapped on Tuesday morning as she left her house for work (at retail chain Jigsaw) in a black and white retro tunic dress from Topshop, £40 (or $78). The accessories buyer put her skills to use by teaming with a classic black blazer, opaque tights and suede knee high boots… and voila, the dress instantly becomes less sixties swing and more princess chic. After the photos surfaced in the British press, the dress sold out completely from Topshop, and it’s already turning up on Ebay!

Photo: MALIBU MEDIA(2)

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As the temperatures drop, our beauty maintenance goes up! Dry skin, static-y hair, chapped lips — you name the cold weather problem, we get it! We rely on a battery of products, especially our hand creams from Lush and Caudalie to get us through the work day. And we’ve recently discovered Frederic Fekkai’s Winter Hair line, that actually reduces the look of hat hair and tames static. Tell us: What’s your cold weather beauty secret? What’s your must-have winter product?

Click here to read more about Beauty in Off the Rack.

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We are always looking for ways to look fabulous in a snap, especially this time of year. Jennifer Connelly, out and about doing press for Blood Diamond, reminded us that one of the simplest and most unexpected ways to look cool and pulled together is a printed coat. How hip and chic is her Dries van Noten diamond print coat with those killer pumps? Here’s how to get the look — and with a cheaper price tag than Jennifer’s $2100 version.

Want a floral feel? Try a flower pattern from Trina Turk, $436, or a leafy one from Anthropologie, $244.95.

Want something you won’t see on all your friends? Tracy Feith ($309) makes one with several different color combos and patterns from which to choose.

Want to stick to black and white? Try a houndstooth at Forever 21, $60, or at Bebe, $198.

Want a more classic pattern? Try a plaid from Frenchi, $148 or BCBG Max Azria, $262.80, for the same effect.

To order a Dries van Noten coat like Jennifer’s, call 212-826-8900.

Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty

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