Off the Rack

While traveling on the tour bus with boyfriend John Mayer, Jessica Simpson may be living the life of the rock n’ roll girlfriend, but that doesn’t stop her from indulging herself in a little luxe shopping. While in Chicago yesterday, Jessica killed time before John’s concert by hitting local fave Jake. Jessica told a store clerk that John had actually pointed her to the store — after Googling her favorite brands and learning they were sold there! Jessica picked up some cozy cashmere pieces from Lutz & Patmos, including the Warhol Tunic and the Bourgeois Cardigan. She also nabbed a Vanessa Penna Obi (that she wore out of the store), Margiela Leggings, a McQ V-Neck Sweater, a Barbara Bui Sweater, Malin + Goetz Lip Balm, and a Richard Chai jacket. But always thinking of her sweetheart, she picked up an Adam Kimmel pocket front shirt for John. Awwww.

Photo: Courtesy Jake; MJJ Photos (inset)

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My four-year-old is totally perplexed about my relationship with Barbie. “Why don’t you like her, Mommy? Why?” “Well,” I answer, “Barbie doesn’t really do anything, except look good — and she dresses like a Valley Girl.” Enter the limited edition MAC Barbie. She not only has a profession — high-flying make up artist — she is cool. She looks state-of-the-art hip in her ethnic tunic, striped jeans, and thigh-high boots. I like that she totes around her make up case — very professional– and that her boobs, while undeniably there, are but a subtle feature. As these limited-edition Barbies have flown off the shelves, you’ll have to find your own on Ebay. I also love MAC’s first ever color collaboration with Mattel, a line of modern, bright eye shadows, blushes, liners and lipsticks. The aptly titled Barbie Loves MAC packaging features a pink silhouette of Barbie in her iconic ponytail. My daughter can play with the doll. I’ll happily play with the makeup. — Alison Singh Gee

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We’ve been watching Jim Carrey’s hair get longer and longer thinking “Huh. That’s an interesting look on him. Wonder if it’s for a part.” Last week we spotted him out with lovely girlfriend Jenny McCarthy at the premiere of his new movie The Number 23 and noted that now his hair is actually longer than hers. After seeing the rubber-faced actor on TRL yesterday, we’ve decided it’s time for a cut. Certainly in this day and age, there is no set length that men’s hair should be, but we just like Jim better with shorter hair. Tell us: Do you think Jim Carrey should cut his hair? Or do you like the longer locks on him?

Click here for more Guy Style on Off the Rack.

Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty

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Honoree Helen Mirren, who received the Distinguished Actor Award 2007 at Saturday night’s 9th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards Gala, was rumored to be sick when she was a no-show on the red carpet. She snuck inside with her husband Taylor Hackford, who witnessed his wife receive a standing ovation from the adoring crowd. Mirren admitted – as she’s admitted many times before – that she cried when she first saw her wardrobe for The Queen, saying, “I can’t be the person who wants to wear these clothes!” But she credits her costume designer, Consolata Boyle who picked up an award (Excellence in Contemporary Film), too, for making the costume as beautiful on the inside before adding, “Of course padded knickers helped!”

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo:Amanda Edwards/Getty

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For over 10 years, Cosmeticmall.com has been a shopping destination for all beauty addicts. Brands like Bumble & Bumble, Clinique and Lancome fill out their impressive roster of over 500 brands to browse through. Whether you are looking to replace your almost gone mascara or get a new light scent, this site has multiple options for you — and until February 27, 2007, take an exclusive 15% off all products. Click here for your automatic discount.

Things we love at Cosmeticmall.com:

Anna Sui lipstick in Rouge M: was $20, now $17.

StriVectin SD Intense Repair for Existing Stretch Marks: was $135, now $114

Agent Provocateur Eau De Parfum Spray for Women, was $67, now $57.

Photo: cosmeticmall.com

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Nominated for Best Actress for her role in Volver, Penelope Cruz is the Romantic of this year’s award season.

Signature Look: Strapless and sleeveless gowns (the better to show-off her toned arms) with nipped-in waists. Cruz’s dresses are often embellished with romantic details such as ruffles, lace and bodice-enhancing ruching. Her go-to beauty look? Lush hair and dramatic eye makeup, finished off with a nude mouth.

Favorite Designers: Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Valentino, with shoes by Luciano Padovan. Cruz also favors simple diamond jewelry by Chopard and Cartier.

What She Will Wear: Though her stylists have looked at sketches from serveral designers, insiders say she is likely to wear Dior.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Tammie Arroyo / AFF; Dave Hogan/Getty; Daniel Deme / WENN

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