Diary of a Fashionista Blog

When I look at the array of bottles and tubes that sit atop my dresser, I wonder why I have so many when I only use about four. But when I open and take a whiff of my old perfumes, I remember.

Fragrances bring back memories of pastimes in a way that nothing else can. I know when I smell the aroma of CK One (one of my first perfume purchases!), vivid images of my freshman year of college come to mind. And the few drops I have left of Clinique Happy smell like my old best friends.

Despite my connection to these wistful scents, I always have trouble choosing a fragrance to make new memories with! Over the years, I would just go to the store and pick the smell I liked most (a cute bottle was always a plus too!).

I didn't think there was a rhyme or reason to why I chose a specific scent. Then I discovered Marie Claire's Fragrance 101, which taught me that choosing a fragrance typically depends on emotions, but logic is also important because favorite scents often belong to the same family.

I wasn't convinced until I took the fragrance finder quiz! I was asked a variety of questions from what's my favorite season to what type of male celebrity am I attracted to. By the end, I had several intriguing suggestions to choose from!

My results were rather accurate, describing me as calm, yet confident. And I loved how they said my "boho-chic aesthetic is more glam than granola," suggesting that I might enjoy a scent that's sexy yet earthy and unconventional. It turns out MC's recommendations are similar to my old favorites!

Try out the Fragrance Finder and discover your signature scent!

Also, check out our different collections, including Flashback Fragrances!

Plus-size fashion stylist Ashley Falcon dishes on the right way to do curvy office fashion.

We want to know what beauty products Marie Claire readers loved in 2009!

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A sleek and simple online haven for beauty junkies who crave top of the line products in an easy to browse environment, Prep Cosmetics is a welcome experience for anyone craving an alternative to overcrowded cosmetics counters and gimmicky beauty mega-stores and sites. You can shop by brand, limit your search to Paraben-free and organic items and, best of all, view how-to videos posted by experts on the store's beauty blog. The blog is bursting with tips and tricks, complete with videos that provide step-by-step guidance. So not only can you buy stellar brands like Becca, DuWop, Alison Raffaele, Stila and Bryce Organic, you can actually get fun, first hand commentary on why the products rock, and the best way to show them off. We adore one of Prep's newest offerings, The Lip Slip from Sara Happ, (regularly $24, Store Adore price $20.40) the best lip scrub and balm out there. Other favorites include The Soiree Palette by Julie Hewett Los Angeles, (regularly $45, Store Adore price $38.25), four pressed powder shadows that take you day to night and the Citrus Rind Candle by Lumiere Candle Co. (regularly $10, Store Adore price $$8.50), a scent that combines fresh pear and the essence of orange. After one virtual walk through this makeup mecca, you'll agree when we say that Prep brings on the beauty.

To save 15% on everything at Prep Cosmetics enter code "StoreAdore" at checkout.

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Get ready, the holidays are here! This is the season of parties, family, food and gift giving, lots and lots of gift giving. From the office Secret Santa to stuffing stocking at home, you’ve probably got a list that covers a lot of ground, but don’t worry, we’ve sorted through all your holiday options and com up with a list of stocking stuffers that will fit any budget and satisfy even the most discerning recipient.

Here are some of our top picks:

Sony's Earbud Headphones. Headphones are some of the best gifts to give; even grandma has an ipod. These have serious sound quality and come in a variety of colors and sizes making it easier to personalize.

Cargo Hands of Hope Collection. A beautiful collection of jewel toned eye shadows that any fashionista would swoon for.

Sabon’s Lemon Mint Body Scrub. The perfect combination of Dead Sea salts and rich, soothing oils, it leaves the skin feeling super soft and improves circulation to boot.

Guitar Hero Smash Hits. One of the greatest video game of all time, able to turn stay-at-home-moms into punk princesses and your dad into Jimmy Page.

Keep Reading for the definitive list of stocking stuffers.

Plus-size fashion stylist Ashley Falcon dishes on the right skinny jeans to flatter your curves.

Just in time for the holidays, Marie Claire is giving away Bobbi Brown beauty essentials all through November!

Plus-size fashion stylist Ashley Falcon dishes on the right skinny jeans to flatter your curves.

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Imagine reading your favorite celeb glossy, seeing something you like on a celeb, and being able to order it in an instant. Find it at Singer22! We spotted Rachel Bilson's Rockstar Denim Zip Bottom Jean regularly $209, Store Adore price $188.10, Kate Moss's Genevieve Jones Kate Fringe Bag, regularly $990, Store Adore price, $891, and Hilary Duff's Tolani Cape With Leather Fringe, regularly $175, Store Adore price $157.50. With a comprehensive stock of clothing, shoes and accessories, it's one of the best places on the web to snatch up the latest "it" pieces-or catch up with the cast of "The Hills."

To redeem your 10% discount at Singer22 enter promo code"storeadore22" at checkout.

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Quick fixes for the dreaded camel toe, peekaboo thong, and muffin top.

MC's "Big Girl in a Skinny World" columnist and plus-size fashion stylist Ashley Falcon chats with her readers.

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Not that we don't drool shopping online, but Harvard Sweet Boutique brings on more salivation than even the most gorgeous lambskin handbag. (Well, almost.) Every brownie, cookie and cake is concocted from scratch, made freshly by hand, and while we wish we could snatch a batch for ourselves at the local supermarket, these baked goods are made for giving. The tastiest treats (in our humble opinion) include the Vanilla Sea Salt Caramel Brownies (regularly $20, Store Adore price $16) and the Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (regularly $18, Store Adore price $14.40). If you find yourself becoming a real Sweet Boutique junkie, join the Monthly Sweet Treat Club. That's one subscription we'd trade our monthly mags for.

To redeem your 20% discount at Harvard Sweet Boutique enter promo code "AdoreCookies09" at checkout.

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Missed an episode of Project Runway? Be sure to catch up on all the drama and fashion as your favorite winners and finalists from past seasons blog their way through season six.

Recapping the 11th episode is season one favorite Austin Scarlett. Be sure to check out Austin's website, austinscarlett.com!

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Missed an episode of Project Runway? Be sure to catch up on all the drama and fashion as your favorite winners and finalists from past seasons blog their way through season six.

Recapping the tenth episode is season five finalist and fan favorite Korto Momolu. Be sure to check out Korto's website, kortomomolu.com!

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

Romantic ruffles, breezy fabrics, and flowy silhouettes were all the rage on Brian Reyes' runway. See the show below for some girly fashion inspiration and tell us which of his looks is your favorite:

For effortlessly edgy style, look no further than Tracy Reese's runway show below. Check it out to see what actress Gabrielle Union loves about her designs, and how to get the bold hair and makeup look to complement the totally wearable runway looks:

For more behind-the-scenes action at Fashion Week, go here.

Asymmetry may be the hot fashion trend on the fall runways, but for hair, it's all about the sleek and smooth style. The three things you need for frizz-free hair, fast:

1. A flat brush
2. A blowdryer nozzle
3. Anti-frizz cream

Once you have these three tools, check out the video below for how to put it all together into an easy, smooth style:

Not since the era of Camelot has there been so much attention paid to First Lady fashion. It's safe to say that Michelle Obama, is without a doubt the nation's first "hip" First Lady, managing to exude class and refinement without losing that touch of spontaneity and je ne sais quoi. Here, Marie Claire chats with Mandi Norwood about Michelle Style, her new book chronicling the First Lady's style which hit bookshelves May 5.

1. Michelle vs. Jackie-O: how do the fashion icons compare?
Michelle O. has a much more accessible style than Jackie O. While Jackie very often had clothes hand-made just for her, or at least collaborated with designers to create clothing to her specifications, Michelle buys off the runway and off the rack. This, of course, means that it’s really easy for the average woman on the street to mimic Michelle’s style and feel close to her. I think many women feel like they know Michelle Obama because she’s very real, in the way she talks the way she behaves and, yes, in the way she dresses.

2. How is Michelle's sense of style a good role model for women in these economic times?
Michelle Obama clearly doesn’t dress according to price tag. We get the very strong feeling that if Michelle loves a dress it isn’t because it comes with a high price tag - it’s because it makes her happy or feel good. For so many years, women have felt that they have to spend a lot of money and wear designer labels to be truly stylish. Not so, says Michelle Obama, who proves you can dress from Talbots, Gap, J Crew, White House Black Market and look completely on point fashion-wise.

3. What are some of Michelle's most conspicuous "Do's?"
She dresses very knowledgably - she understands what suits her body shape and rotates similar silhouettes. She isn’t afraid of color and wears a vivacious range of brights which makes many of her outfits so memorable. She balances soft and strong - strong silhouettes with soft, feminine separates such as cardigans. And she mixes designer labels with affordable pieces which is the essence of modern dressing.

4. How does all this media attention to Michelle's wardrobe strike you? Why do you think this is the case?
We’ve been craving a smart, savvy, sexy fashion role model for so long now we simply cannot get enough of Michelle Obama. Bear in mind, we’ve only had the likes of Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson to take style inspiration from which, for many women, was a very depressing state of affairs. Along comes Michelle Obama and not only is she extremely accomplished and professional, but she clearly enjoys fashion, too! It’s a compelling combination.

6. Some have criticized Michelle's constant wearing of cardigans...what's your take on that?
Look, we’re not talking about a woman who walks onto the global stage in old slippers and moth-eaten cardigans. We’re talking about a woman who combines strong, sexy pencil skirts with soft, feminine, cashmere cardigans. A woman who manages to balance comfort and chic. If Michelle Obama were striding around in a masculine, structured, shoulder-padded jacket, everyone would be suggesting that she isn’t comfortable with her femininity and is trying to hide it.

7. Will Michelle single handedly bring back the brooch?
The brooch has been in and out of fashion for centuries. This time around, I do think Mrs O. can be credited with its re-surge in popularity, but she wears her brooches in a very organic way. She doesn’t look like she’s just walked under a tree and an insect or bloom has dropped off a branch and onto her shoulder. Her brooches are always well integrated into her outfits.

8. What are the lessons to be learned from Michelle's way of dressing?
Wear strong silhouettes balanced with soft fabrics and separates. Don’t be afraid of bright colors. Keep accessories simple. The most flattering dress for a woman over 35 is on-the-knee-length. And if you’re going to go sleeveless, for goodness sake, make sure your arms are strong and toned. No wibbly underarms, please!

9. How would you advise women looking to invest in confident clothing for the modern times, taking cues from Michelle?
*Keep clothes simple and unfussy. The more embellishments, the cheaper clothes look.
* Wear blocks of bold colors – modern power dressing is about creating a powerful presence and nothing says confidence more than a purple or red sheath dress.
* Invest in good-quality accessories since you can always elevate a cheaper item with an expensive belt.
*If in doubt, dress a half size bigger. Nothing crushes your confidence more than feeling like you’ve squeezed yourself into a dress that’s too tight. Michelle Obama never wears clothes that look like they’re straining at the seams.

10.What designers would you like Michelle to invest in that she hasn't already?
Mrs O. is already doing a pretty fine job in wearing a great cross-section of designers. I’m happy to see her in Michael Kors, Moschino, Junya Watanabe and Jason Wu. It doesn’t get more diverse than that. However, I wouldn’t mind seeing her in a few pieces from Vera Wang or Peter Som.

11. How do you predict Michelle's style will evolve over the next few years?
As her confidence and comfort level grows, I suspect we’ll see her take more risks with her clothing selections. She’s already evolved from the security zone of her Maria Pinto sheaths to more avant garde designs, from designers such as as Junya Watanabe and Azzedine Alaia. We know she loves whimsy, so I’m looking forward to being surprised by wonderful and unusual styling details. And every now and again, being wowed when she steps onto the global stage in another killer outfit from a chain store.

Michelle Style is in bookstores now.

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Missed an episode of Project Runway? Be sure to catch up on all the drama and fashion as your favorite winners and finalists from past seasons blog their way through season six.

Recapping the 7th episode is season four finalist Rami Kashou. Be sure to check out Rami's website, ramikashou.com!

Warning: Spoilers ahead!