Jonathon Morgan
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Fashion Week Highlights
Filed under: Fashion Week
Fashion Week Highlights
We know we shouldn't laugh, but it's hard to keep a straight face when models tumble on the runway. This model slipped and fell during the Hérvé Leger by Max Azria show -- fortunately she recovered and was unhurt.
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Careful ladies, Hérvé's heels are dangerous! Not one, but two models couldn't keep on her feet during the designer's runway show. Thankfully this fallen fashionista also recovered without any injuries.
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The weekend's other major trainwreck didn't involve stumbling models, but one high-class prostitute-turned-C-List celeb who worked her way into the front row at Yigel Azrouel. Kelly Cutrone (who you might remember from The Hills) was fired by the designer for letting Ashlee Dupre into his show.
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Stylish celebs are synonymous with Fashion Week -- and this season is no exception. Julia Stiles, Hillary Duff and Paris Hilton have been turning heads -- see who else we spotted looking hot in the front row!
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Beauty trends are born backstage at Fashion Week. While designer duds and front row celebs were duking it out for the spotlight, we've been behind-the-scenes -- making sure you know what products models are using to look gorgeous on the runway. Check out our exclusive coverage.
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And let's not forget the clothes, of course. Jason Wu, who designed Michelle Obama's inauguration ball gown, showed a collection fit for the First Lady (or anyone who enjoys elegance and sophistication). See what else is hot this season -- check out Refinery 29 for more exclusive news runway reviews.
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Palin's $180,000 Wardrobe Stuffed in Trash Bags, Not Donated
Filed under: Celebrity Fashion Mistakes
Sarah Palin's folksy image took a serious shot after her campaign and the Republican National Committee dropped a whopping $180,000 on swanky designer threads for the governor and her family. Chastised by party donors and blasted by the media, Palin and the RNC insisted the clothing was "on loan" and would be donated to charities after the election. So maybe it was a waste of money -- but at least the underprivileged could carry Louis Vuitton purses just like the rich and famous.
Or maybe not. Turns out the high-class, high-dollar gear is sitting around RNC headquarters, stuffed in plastic trash bags.
To be fair, that's how our Goodwill donations sit for months, taking up space in our garage until we finally get around to dropping them off -- and the RNC offers a similar excuse, claiming the clothes are "in the process" of being donated. But the "we'll get to it later dude" approach isn't flying with conservatives -- from big donors to bloggers -- who question whether the Republican party has learned any lessons from this unfortunate affair.
One commenter writes: "The only reason this is a story is to showcase one more reason why [RNC Chair Mike Duncan] needs to be replaced at the RNC." While another adds "lets face it, bush [sic] was a disaster for the republicans and sarah palin [sic] is bush [sic] with a very expensive dress..."
Still others defend the Alaskan governor, writing: "Governor Palin is one of the very few in the party who know what the hell they are trying to achieve! Palin never asked for the wardrobe in the first place!"
What do you think? More embarrassing news for the RNC, or much ado about nothing?
Or maybe not. Turns out the high-class, high-dollar gear is sitting around RNC headquarters, stuffed in plastic trash bags.
Sarah Palin Style Evolution
When she was a flat-broke (but "not flat busted") student at the University of Idaho in the 1980s, Sarah Palin dressed in the frumpy-freshman's uniform of tee shirts and shorts. But by the time she took the national stage this summer, she had a chic RNC-financed wardrobe that could have paid for the $125,000 dump truck penciled into the Wasilla City budget -- with enough left over for a family shopping spree at Alaska's first Target. To see how Palin morphed from dorm-dull to camera-worthy, click on.
Heath Family, AP
Sarah Palin -- then Sarah Louise Heath -- walked off with the Miss Wasilla crown in 1984 wearing a red and white strapless confection.
Heath Family / AP
Even by 1984 standards, Palin's swimsuit for the Miss Alaska pageant was a bit modest . Here, she models a red one-piece, which she later swapped for a "Dynasty"-worthy navy sequined gown. Though Palin snagged Miss Congeniality honors in the race, she lost the title to Maryline Blackburn, the first African-American to represent Alaska in the Miss American contest.
Splash News
In 1992 -- the year Donna Karan ran an ad showing a glamorous woman being sworn in as President -- 28-year-old Sarah Palin was all bold shoulders and bright earrings as she ran for the Wasilla City Council.
Bob Hallinen, Anchorage Daily / MCT
Dressed for success: Palin, as a member of the Wasilla City Council, wears the crisp blazer-and-white-shirt uniform favored by of legions of working women. Must have worked. Within 14 years, she was elected mayor of Wasilla and governor of Alaska.
Heath Family / AP
Standing along the Parks Highway in Wasilla, then-Mayor Palin was the embodiment of North Face chic as she shows how to work a basic red-and-back windbreaker.
Lulu Larsen, Alaska Stock Images / ZUMA Press
Forget how cold it gets in Alaska. In 2005, Gov. Palin's look in a pink Lilly Pulitzer sweater can be summed up in two words: Palm Beach.
Lulu Larsen, Alaska Stock Images / ZUMA Press
For her gubernatorial inauguration ball in 2007, Palin traded the librarian's up-do and black skirt and jacket that she wore to the swearing-in ceremonies for loose curls and a raspberry portrait-collar gown.
Christopher S. Miller, Alaska Stock Images / ZUMA Press
When you're heading into the sub-zero temperatures of the Tesoro Iron Dog competition, you don't even think about wearing peep-toe pumps. Here, Palin bundles up in heavy padding, fur and lace-up boots to cheer on her husband, Todd, who has won the snow machine race across Alaska four times.
Splash News
At a "Road to the Convention" rally last August, Palin wore a basic black suit (and her old $89 Naughty Monkey peep-toe shoes) as John McCain officially introduced her as his running mate.
Mary Altaffer, AP
To be fair, that's how our Goodwill donations sit for months, taking up space in our garage until we finally get around to dropping them off -- and the RNC offers a similar excuse, claiming the clothes are "in the process" of being donated. But the "we'll get to it later dude" approach isn't flying with conservatives -- from big donors to bloggers -- who question whether the Republican party has learned any lessons from this unfortunate affair.
One commenter writes: "The only reason this is a story is to showcase one more reason why [RNC Chair Mike Duncan] needs to be replaced at the RNC." While another adds "lets face it, bush [sic] was a disaster for the republicans and sarah palin [sic] is bush [sic] with a very expensive dress..."
Still others defend the Alaskan governor, writing: "Governor Palin is one of the very few in the party who know what the hell they are trying to achieve! Palin never asked for the wardrobe in the first place!"
What do you think? More embarrassing news for the RNC, or much ado about nothing?
Michelle Obama's Inauguration Outfit
Filed under: Celebrities with Style
It's official! Michelle Obama is wearing Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo on the day her husband Barack is sworn in as our nation's 44th president. Her bright yellow look is a departure from the traditional red, white or blue that most first ladies don on inauguration day, but definitely in keeping with what we've been seeing on runways this season. We're not sure this is one of the First Lady's greatest hits, but what do you think? Vote in our poll below to share your thoughts!
Inaugural Style
The Inaugural speech may set the agenda for a new Presidential administration, but the Inaugural wardrobe sets the tone. Think of Mamie Eisenhower's exuberant pink frocks in the can-do post-War '50s; Rosalynnn Carter's recycled gown in the down-in-the-dumps '70s, Jackie Kennedy regalness in the everything-is-possible '60s. While we wait to hear Barack Obama's words -- and to see Michelle Obama's clothes -- click back on the revealing (and mostly red, white or blue) Inauguration choices of America's modern First Ladies.
The biggest shock of the 2000 Presidential election was, of course, that it took the U.S. Supreme Court to decide it. The second-biggest shock: that Laura Bush -- after two decades in one of America's shrewdest political families -- would wear such a dowdy ensemb to George's first Inaugural. Instead of bringing in one of Seventh Avenue's big guns -- Arnold Scassi primped up Barbara Bush's style -- Laura chose Michael Faircloth, a little-known Dallas designer who had been turning out her safe (and sorry) public-appearance clothes back to the 1999 Texas inaugural.
Before his stint dressing Laura, Michael Faircloth's claim to design fame was creating outfits for the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, so perhaps it's not surprising that his Inaugural gown was all about fireworks. Though Mrs. Bush preferred a tad more coverage than the pom-pom girls, her satin and lace gown, laden with Austrian crystals, was far too matronly for a 55-year-old -- even a 55-year-old ex-librarian. br/>
Is it any wonder that Oscar de la Renta has become something of a house designer for modern White House occupants? After earning his Washington stripes (and stars) transforming Hillary Clinton, he was tapped by Laura Bush for the 2005 Inaugural. The results: different party, same polish. For Bush II, de la Renta turned country-club Laura into a D.C. swan with a delicately beaded ice-blue gown that accented her curvy body and creamy skin.
Chic, simple and with a hemline that flattered, Mrs. Bush's 2005 oath-of-office outfit was a stand-out winter-white coat and dress by Oscar de la Renta. However, it took a village to dress the Bush clan for all the events: Carolina Herrera made a taffeta shirtwaist for the hot-ticket Black-Tie-And-Boots gala; Peggy Jennings created a crystal column for the Candlelight Dinners, and Badgley Mischka turned twins Jenna and Barbara into saucy but sexy First Daughters.
Even before Hillary Clinton got to Washington, she (and her ubiquitous headbands) made it clear that fashion was not at the top of her agenda. And how. Her 1993 Inaugural designers were a raft of Arkansans who earned unanimous not-ready-for-prime-time reviews. Her first transgression: the dizzying plaid suit by Connie Fails for the swearing-in. Bad enough that it violated every keep-it-simple rule, but Hillary topped off the outfit with a decidedly un-Jackie chapeau that many compared to a flying saucer.
If she had known that Inauguration Day would be a metaphor for her early years as First Lady, Hillary Clinton might have re-thought her gown. For her highest-profile star turn, she chose an overwrought crystal-covered confection by Arkansas designer Sarah Phillips, done in a shade of purple last seen lining the royal family's robes. It got more pans than her health care plan.
Thank God for second acts. Hillary ditched the hat, the plaids and the frump for Clinton II and dialed up Oscar de la Renta, who made a coral swing coat and suit that were sophisticated, if not daring. Meanwhile, no longer the awkward adolescent, 16-year-old Chelsea wore a long blue coat that she doffed to reveal a mini-skirt -- and long dancer's legs.
Forever banishing the purple princess, Hillary's 1997 Inaugural gown was a charming variation on one of Oscar de la Renta's runway pieces -- an embroidered gold tulle t-shirt dress that she reinterpreted with longer sleeves, higher neck and just a tad less oomph. Still, with upswept hair and minimal fuss, Hillary exuded more chic than she had in all of Bill's first term.
By the time George H.W. Bush landed the presidency, Barbara Bush had moved 28 times in 45 years, so in swapping the Vice President's digs for 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., she was more about function than form. Ditto for her clothes. For the 1989 swearing-in, the Silver Fox chose a straight and sensible turquoise coat over a white dress, both from ladies-who-lunch designer Bill Blass Never one to waste, she paired the dress with an 8-year-old lavender coat for a trip to Canada weeks later.
Worst Dressed of 2008
Biggest StyleFouls of 2008
When you're making millions and have teams of people dedicated to making you look beautiful, it can't be that hard to work the red carpet - right? But celeb after celeb has proved this theory wrong. Who was obsessed with showing off her fake baby bump? Who was a StyleFoul for six months straight? Who flat out scares us? Browse the gallery and find out!
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She's cleaned up her act now, but that doesn't mean we can ignore the constant stream of StyleFoul that Brit Brit sent our way during the earlier half of 2008. Ugly extensions, panty-less crotch shots and glazed over eyes was her daily uniform for quite a while there.
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We love Posh Spice and her fembot ways. Most of the time her style is a little crazy but somehow amazing. However, these thigh-high stripper boots with a twist (they have no heels) are too much. Victoria needs to learn when to leave well enough alone on the runway.
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Nelly is known for being unique. So when she dyed her hair blond we half expected her to start losing weight and turning herself into yet another Paris Hilton clone. The tone washed her out completely! Thank goodness she's already back to brunette.
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Jessica got a lot of buzz for her post-baby body bounce back. Then she went ahead and ruined it all in this deformed red dress for the premiere of her overly airbrushed Campari campaign. Two thumbs down.
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Mischa is prone to style mishaps, but this flub at the Met Costume Gala was perhaps her biggest misstep of the year. The bad design of this dress somehow makes a very thin actress look like a grandma a grandma with wide hips at that.
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P. Hilt shines here and not in the good way. Her Michael Jackson-esque gloves with the sparkle/fake tan overload takes the cheese factor to a whole new level!
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The dress is big enough to fit not one, but two Olsen twins and that headband/alien communication device is downright insane making this one of the few MKO outfits that we don't adore at all.
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She's like the sun/Christmas tree don't stare directly at Cate or you'll walk away blinded.
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This short little number manage to be both confusing and fascinating at the same time mainly because for someone who says she's not pregnant, the pattern sure seems to draw an awful lot of attention to the non-baby belly!
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Carla Bruni's Naked Bag Battle
Filed under: Celebrities with Style, Celebrity Fashion Mistakes
Carla Bruni and the Naked Bag Battle
Before Carla Bruni was France's First Lady, she was an ultra-sexy supermodel, who made quite a stir when she posed nude in 1993. Now it seems Bruni's former image is coming back to haunt her -- a French designer has created a shopping bag using a naked photo of the former model, and she's responded with a lawsuit.
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This photo, showing a less-than-discreet Carla from her racy younger days has been emblazoned on a shopping bag by clothing designer Pardon. 10,000 of the bags have been created, but the First Lady's lawyer is calling for all of them to be recalled -- and burned.
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Team Bruni claims she has full control over her image, and is demanding 125,000 euros in damages over what "constitutes a moral and matrimonial attack." Of course Pardon is arguing that they had every right to use the photo, and it'll be up to a judge to settle the matter early this week.
If she wins, Bruni says she'll be giving the money to charity.
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Jennifer Aniston Naked in GQ - Stunning or Sad?
Filed under: Celebrities with Style, Celebrity Fashion Mistakes
Jennifer Aniston: Stunning or Sad?
At 39-years-old, America's favorite romantically-challenged TV icon has still got it. Jennifer Aniston appears on the cover of this month's GQ in barely more than her birthday suit -- but, while she obviously looks gorgeous, we have to wonder: Does this seem a little desperate to anyone else?
Because if you'll remember, Jen's been "revealing" that she's still a little bitter about her Brangelina-induced break-up -- particularly the part where Angie and Brad fell for one another while he and Jen were still married.
Not like that it wasn't totally obvious to the rest of us, but when your ex-husband's new super-hot girlfriend publicly proclaims that he wasn't faithful to you, that's gotta sting.
Of course it wasn't always this way. In the 90's Jennifer Aniston was the center of the universe -- with every man in Hollywood (and beyond) dying for a date with the adorable girl next door.
So when she hooked up with Brad Pitt -- arguably the most desirable man on the planet -- it was a romance that we'd once thought was only possible in fairy tales and impossible romantic comedies.
But by January 2005, that fairy tale crumbled to pieces. Brad and Jen had been sordidly usurped by Brad and Angie, who'd met on the set of their sexy thriller, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. By November of that year Jen was on the comeback trail, showing the world she was over the break-up by showing some skin as GQ's first "Woman of the Year."
And for a moment, things looked good. Maybe Vince Vaughn wasn't just a rebound guy after all. Sure they seemed totally wrong for one another, but if they were getting married then clearly it'd all worked out for the best. Hooray! The dumped girl has been cured!
Oh wait. Maybe not. It seems Jen wasn't ready to accept that she'd fallen from "World's Most Desirable Heartthrob" to "That Chubby Guy You Met in Line for Pretzels at the Knicks Game." And of course rumors start to circulate that she's romantically illiterate and will never find love.
And just for fun, in December 2006, almost two years after Brad and Jen had bombed, our heroine, unlucky in love, gets to relive her failed marriage while suffering through a failed engagement. Awesome!
And that led to a few pretty lonely months. Jen dated some random guy no one had ever heard of -- and it still didn't work out -- but by that point the world had grown weary of the eminent disaster that was every Jennifer Aniston relationship.
OK, time to triumph over tragedy! In November 2007 we met the new Jennifer Aniston -- ready to break free from botched marriages, engagements, friendships, and whatever -- set to devour life as a confident, secure, totally not needy (so there's no reason to be scared of marrying me!) woman in the prime of her life.
Purse Giveaway Official Rules
Purse Giveaway
Official Rules
Official Rules
No Purchase Required to Enter or Win
1. Eligibility: The Purse Giveaway (the "Giveaway") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (including the District of Columbia) who are 18 years of age or older. Employees of WL Acquisition LLC, AOL LLC, their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Giveaway, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Giveaway (collectively "Giveaway Entities") and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are not eligible. All U.S., federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by WL Acquisition LLC, 22000 AOL Way, Dulles, VA 20166 ("Sponsor").
3. Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Giveaway constitutes entrant's full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
4. Entry Period: The Giveaway will begin at 4pm on Monday, December 8 and end at 5pm on Friday, December 11 (the "Entry Period"). Entries received prior to or after the Entry Period will not be accepted.
5. Entry: To enter a Giveaway, go to http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2008/12/08/stylelist-giveaway-gustto-vando-bag-from-ideeli-com/ and post a comment. Limit one (1) entry per person. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.
6. Drawing: On or about Friday, December 11, Sponsor will select the name of one (1) potential winner in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during the Entry Period. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received with the correct answer during the Entry Period. Potential winner will be contacted via email and will be asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, the Sponsor may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period.
7. Requirements of the Potential Winner: Except where prohibited, the potential winner may be required to complete and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release (the "Affidavit/Release") within seven (7) days of being notified. If a potential winner fails to sign and return the Affidavit/Release within the required time period, an alternate entrant will be selected in his/her place in a random drawing of all entries received. If the winner is deemed a minor in his/her state of residence, the prize will be awarded to the winner's parent/legal guardian who will be required to complete all required paperwork on behalf of the winner.
8. Prize: One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a Gustto Vando tote. Approximate Retail Value of prize is $685. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winner is responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize.
9. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prize at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.
10. Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Giveaway Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Giveaway Entities' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway, and in no event shall the Giveaway Entities be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.
11. Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Giveaway or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant's rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsors in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.
12. Giveaway Results: To request the name of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Purse Winners List, 22070 Broderick Drive – 12E:D01, Dulles, VA 20166. Requests must be received by December 31, 2008.
WWD Asks: What Should Michelle Obama Wear?
Filed under: Celebrities with Style
What Should Michelle Wear?
On January 20th 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President -- instantly becoming one of the most significant leaders in United States history. What will he say? How will he act? And, most importantly, what will Michelle wear?
Style bible Women's Wear Daily has been wondering the same thing, and enlisted the world's most prominent designers to sketch ideas for the future First Lady. Check out our favorites from the American designers.
Women's Wear Daily
Purple is undoubtedly the "it" color of the season, and Isaac Mizrahi offers a fashion-forward option that (at least to us) seems the most in keeping with what Michelle normally wears. Bonus points for offering options for Sasha and Malia, too!
Women's Wear Daily
Regal, elegant and timeless -- a stunning formal gown from Michael Kors.
Women's Wear Daily
The First Family would certainly be the center of attention in Oscar de la Renta's trio of red, white and blue confections.
Women's Wear Daily
Peter Som channels Jackie K. to offer Michelle O a totally timeless, utterly sophisticated "winter white" gown.
Women's Wear Daily
The President-elect has sworn to work closely with both parties to unite the country. And with Reem Acra's brash, take-no-prisoners gown in Republican red, his wife could show her support for that agenda on her first night as First Lady.
Women's Wear Daily
Tracy Reese suggests a delightfully elegant, classically feminine gown for the lady of the hour.
Women's Wear Daily
Betsey Johnson's gown gives a nod to her punk-rock sensibility, while boldly embracing the patriotism of the occasion.
Women's Wear Daily
A marked contrast from Betsey's in-your-face, inauguration-ball bananza is an ultra-refined evening gown by Diane Von Furstenberg.
Women's Wear Daily
And that's just the beginning. For all 42 sketches by the world's most famous designers, .
Women's Wear Daily
Hairspray Linked to Birth Defects
Filed under: Cosmetics, Beauty Tips
Hairspray Linked to Birth Defects
Bad news for stylists, hair dressers, and any woman who's a fan of big 'ol Texas hair. A new study has found a disturbing link between your hairspray habit and an alarming birth defect. Researchers claim that boys whose mothers were around large amounts of hairspray may run the risk of being born with a genital disorder.
SXC
Scientists at the Imperial College London surveyed women who had boys born with a condition called hypospadias -- essentially, a deformity that causes the baby's urinary tract to grow where it shouldn't. According to those scientists, hairspray more than doubled the chance that the women's children would be born with this defect.
SXC
That said, it's not all bad news. The professor who led the study told the BBC that this new research didn't not prove conclusively that hairspray was to blame.
He went so far as to say: "Pregnant women will need to make their own choices about whether or not to avoid these kind of exposures."
But that doesn't mean dousing your head in hairspray is a good idea.
SXC
The number of hypospadias cases has gone up dramatically over the past twenty years, and many have been blaming a chemical called phthalates. As you might suspect, this chmeical is found in plastics -- namely the plasitcs used in hairspray.
Evidence is mounting, and certain types of phthalates have already been banned from hairsprays and other cosmetics.
SXC
You might recognize phthalates -- they've been in the news quite a bit recently, but mostly due to their ability to disrupt hormones. These revelations have led the European Union to ban the substance for toys (for quite some time).
SXC
However, before you completely freak out, while research has shown phthalates could mess with the production of testosterone in some animals (and could therefore effect the development of the urinary tract), studies in humans remain unclear.
So, while avoiding chemicals in hairspray and other cosmetics is a good idea -- particularly when you're pregnant -- you probably won't see any official word on this for a some time.
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