Off the Rack

Rachel McAdams looks lovely on this month’s cover of ELLE (we love that her hair is still pink!) but we couldn’t help thinking how familiar her dress was. Yup, it’s a version of the same Armani Privé gown that Beyoncé walked the Academy Awards red carpet in. Considering that the photos of Rachel were shot well before the Oscars, it amazes us that she is also photographed in Kirsten Dunst’s Chanel Couture gown for the inside spread! Chalk it up to great minds thinking alike. But Beyoncé and Rachel generally have such different styles, this faceoff is an unexpected one! So, you tell us: Who wears the Armani gown better? Rachel McAdams or Beyoncé?

To vote on more Fashion Faceoffs, click here for our gallery with Mischa, J.Lo and more.

Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage

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When we noticed designers like Oscar de la Renta (left) sending clear bags down their Spring 2007 runways, we thought they were great accessories for the beach, vacation and hanging by the pool. But do you really want everyone to see what’s inside your bag every day? That’s where cute makeup cases come in — to conceal your personal belongings. Try these striped black and white travel cases from sephora.com ($15-$35), or this Very Sexy velvet finish case from victoriassecret.com ($10). For a designer look, get the Louis Vuitton monogrammed cosmetic case at eluxury.com ($240). We have also rounded up some clear bags for you, from the Oscar’s big splurge to a cute and cheap option from Target. But tell us: Would you carry a clear bag?

Splurge:
Oscar de la Renta (left) white patent transparent travel tote, $895, oscardelarenta.com (available mid-March)

Affordable Luxury:
Furla Giovanna Furlanetto Boarding bag, $450, furlausa.com

Steal:
Faux Birkin Inspired clear tote (available in 6 color trimmings), $32, shopsueyboutique.com

Pink-trimmed clear tote with lining (also comes in purple, blue and patterned), $15, at
frombrowse=1&asin=B000IXBE6S”target=”_blank”>target.com

Photo:Oscar de la Renta/Jeremy Spink

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On Monday, March 5, there was a photo of Liv Tyler wearing great jeans with the caption “What skinny jean trend?…” What kind of jeans is she wearing? Thank you, Stasia McGrath

First Kate Moss, then pals Nicole and Paris, and even Rachel Bilson were spotted without their signature skinny jeans. Now Liv Tyler is bringing back the wide leg. For a meeting in Beverly Hills on Thursday the star stepped out in a pair of Seven For All Mankind “Ginger” jeans in light weight mercer. The “Ginger” is the widest jean Seven offers and is available at 7forallmankind.com for $143. Wonder who will retire the skinny jean next? And if you are loving her shirt it is the Twisted Ladder Lace Drappe Neck Cardigan by Marc Jacobs, $905, an can be purchased by calling the Boston store (617-425-0707).

Got something you want us to find? Email us your question, and we’ll track down your favorite star styles. See more of the pieces we’ve found in Off the Rack, click here.

Photo:Michael Anthony/Pacific Coast News

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Not everyone can attend Fashion Week in the famed tents at NYC’s Bryant Park, but now any fashionista can have the scent they inspired. Bond No. 9 has added Bryant Park to their roster of fragrances inspired by New York’s distinctive neighborhoods. Packed with notes of lily of the vallery, rhubarb, pink peppercorn and patchouli, the scent is both spicy and bright — and the mod packaging would up the chic quotient of any vanity table. The price is definitely steep for the painted bottle (1.7 oz for $125), but still cheaper than a plane ticket to NYC. Find Bryant Park on Bondno9.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Bond No. 9

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Whether you’re a rocker or a kid-at-heart, no cool girl’s wardrobe is complete without a graphic t-shirt. After all, what goes better with jeans and your ironic attitude? Meagan Good’s Doe t-shirt is inspired by a classic fairy tale. Get her Disney Vintage look by Jackie Brander, $40-$330 at fredsegalfun.com. If you are more into the retro-gothic look, like Carmen Electra, check out sinfulclothing.com and metroparkusa.com where shirts start around $30. Halle Berry looks amazing in her vintage-looking travel tee by Materialust. Get one like it for $55 at Material Lust’s store or at Shoptintuition.com. But if you are a rocker chick at heart, like Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen, check out the selection of band tees at hottopic.com. What’s your t-shirt personality?

Photo: Byron Purvis/AdMedia; Jonathan Friolo/In House Photo; MWD/X17online

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