www.shoplikeanna.com

There’s a fairly new social network-shopping service-content palace for the tween Hannah-Montana-Vs-U2 set. Based in Chicago, Shop Like Anna (after the founder’s daughter) is built for girls aged 8-15 and promises a “safe and fashionable alternative” to other sites in the field.

Visually refined from the outset, Shop Like Anna seems to be place that many in its target audience will likely latch onto. That is if its initial promotional push proves effective, of course. It has all the makings of a niche venue that could carry and grow to a popular standing among competitors. The amount of material isn’t voluminous at present, mind you. It’s more kindling than flame, really. But if security-conscious Web users - parents and children alike - want for a site that enables a rich interactive experience through a variety of features, Shop Like Anna is one player that truly seems to manage an appreciably qualitative balance.

It should be made clear: Shop Like Anna operates on a strict model. Only those in the abovementioned age bracket are optioned memberships, and for verification, the email of a parent or guardian needs to be provided in order to complete registration. Naturally, there are ways to evade the requirements when working though this process, but on the whole, the extra measure will probably ensure that the network largely remains as it originally was intended. (The team behind Shop Like Anna is also said to be in a “working relationship Assistants-Who-Follow-Their-Boss with the FBI.”)

At first glance, I must say it’s not easy to determine what is the core strength of Shop Like Anna. It is collectively a space for young girls to communicate, blog, share photos, and generally do what the average social networking sites Most-Networked-Executives allow - plus shop, read feature stories, etc. But its multifunctional framework also makes Shop Like Anna an open field of sorts, which could work to its benefit. If one aspect falls into disuse, other components can thrive and the site can still present much of its repertoire as value-added. To start, the whole of SLA works makes an impressive entry in the market, for sure. And I think it’s safe to say it may soon carry substantial staying power. Not to mention solid growth, if luck strikes center

www.shoplikeanna.com

This September, ABC, CBS and NBC are all setting aside the same hour of Primetime television to join forces with a telethon benefiting cancer research.

TV stations are not the only ones setting aside time for this event. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson and Charlize Theron will show their support by participating in the program answering phone calls and receiving donations. Dozens of other famous faces from sports figures to movie stars will also be in attendance.

The telethon is being put on by Stand Up To Cancer, an organization that works with top experts in cancer research, forging a new way to develop breakthroughs that will end cancer.

The telethon will air commercial free, September 5th at 8pm ET.

www.shoplikeanna.com

With the perfume industry accumulating over $22.5 billion dollars annually, celebrities are jumping right on the bandwagon and adding another task on their to-do lists. Here are a few celebrities with their hit fragrances!

She’s a mom, designer, and a music mogul! Gwen Stefani is set to release her next line of fragrances. These five unique fragrances will make their debut in September. The Harajuku Lovers scents are inspired and named after Gwen’s four real-life backup singers named Love, Angel, Music and Baby (also the inspiration for the name of her clothing line- L.A.M.B.) People Magazine got some info on the details reporting that the colorful doll-shaped bottles will even look like the crew! How fun!! Five fragrances may seem like a lot to handle, but this super mom tells WWD “the decision was a natural one. Each girl has her own personality and sense of style. We’re all saying something different with unique personalities.” The perfumes are set to start at $25, keep that in mind for some cool gift ideas!

Recently hitched, Mariah Carey also joined in on the fun! M by Mariah Carey is currently available now. According to MariahCarey.com, “The inspirations for M by Mariah Carey were multiple places I’ve been, moments in my life and childhood memories. It combines my favorite scents and means so much to me. I want my fragrance to be like a gift to my fans." The perfume consists of an Amber Incense, a warm and inviting marshmallow, and the Tiare flower. Next time you hit the perfume isle, make sure to catch a sniff of this!

Fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker had success with her first perfume, Lovely, that lead to her newest, Covet. Sarah describes Covet as “A stunning blend of fresh green notes, gorgeous florals and sensuous woods that instantly draws you in and won’t let you go." Pick this scent up at your local department store, you’ll be glad you did!

Everybody knows Hilary Duff and her scent “With Love." This former Disney queen sensation has her eyes focused on another perfume, “Wrapped With Love." These stars love staying busy! Duff describes her newest perfume as “iced honeydew and bright mandarin with a sweet kiss of Sicilian blood orange and juicy mangosteen." Duff was involved with every aspect of her perfume designs adding that “the bottle is inspired by one of Hilary’s favorite floral bouquets." The stunning, faceted bottle is updated in a soft petal pink and cheerfully decorated with spring flowers!

Last but not least, talented singer Beyonce hasn't missed the perfume bandwagon. Beyonce has titled her fragrance Truestar Gold. “This captivating fragrance draws you in and exudes confidence and sexiness. Crisp, tart Kiwi combined with pumpkin flower entices, while milk, raspberry, honey and tulip Wood envelope in the senses,” Beyonce says, adding that comfort and sensuality are at the essence of the True Star collection. She says she made the bottle tall and tapered shape to fit comfortably in the palm of a women’s hand!

www.shoplikeanna.com

It’s always great to see your favorite model gracing the cover of your favorite magazine. But don’t you wonder how these beauties got there? Believe it or not, posing for photos and strutting the runway isn't an easy task. We picked our favorite three models and we are going to give you a little history on their careers. We did our research and we found out how they got their claim to fame and all the fun in-between.

Cindy Crawford is one of the world's first, and perhaps most well known, supermodels. At age fifteen Cindy, from Dekalb, Illinois, decided that modeling was the path she needed to take. Three years later she entered herself in the Elite Model Management Look of the Year Competition. She placed in the top fifteen and it all started from there. She came around in the golden age of modeling. Along with Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, these girls, and others at that time, made runway shows about the models and not the clothes. People came to see these girls and who they were wearing. She has appeared on over 600 magazine covers world wide and countless runway shows. She is most famous for her ads with Revlon, Omega, and Pepsi Cola. Cindy now has two children, Presley and Kaia and is married to restaurant and bar owner Rande Gerber. She is involved in countless charities including The Ronald McDonald Children’s Charity and various Cancer foundations. She is not only beautiful she is also brilliant too; Cindy won a scholarship to Northwestern University and studied Chemical Engineering. Beauty and brains? You can’t get much better then that!

Currently, the most popular (and paid!) model in the world is Gisele Bundchen. She is everywhere, all the time! Gisele got her start when she was discovered in her home country of Brazil in 1994 at the young age of fourteen. She moved to New York at age sixteen and her career took off from there. She has five brothers and sisters including a twin, Patricia, who acts as her manager and helps with her finances. In 1999 Gisele appeared on the cover of Vogue four times. But she is most known for her days at Victoria's Secret. She had a 2.5 million Euro contract with the brand and was one of the top models. Traveling the country and doing the yearly runways show. Rolling stone named her “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”, Bundchen has won countless other awards such as “The Hottest Model” award. She has graced the cover of many magazines and is the model for brands such a Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and Bvlgari jewelry. In Gisele’s contract she demands that she be paid in Euros, that way the fluctuation of the dollar will not hurt her income at all. This must be how she became the highest paid model in the world. She is involved in many charities including designing a limited edition necklace that sold to raise money for Saint Jude Children’s Hospital Cancer Treatment Efforts. She is currently dating football star Tom Brady.

And last but certainly not least, the lovely Tyra Banks. She has been around for so long that we forget how she started. The beauty from Los Angeles, California began modeling in eleventh grade. She was signed to a modeling agency and sent to Paris for Fashion Week. After her first show she was asked to do a record 25 shows. That is the highest request of a new model in fashion history. She has worked with Cover Girl, Cynthia Rowley, Chanel, and Dolce and Gabanna. Tyra has been on the cover of Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan and many more high profile fashion magazines. Ms. Banks was the first African American model to be on the cover of Victoria's Secret and model in their runway show. She retired from modeling and walked the runway for the last time at the 2005 Victoria's Secret Runway Show. She has moved on from modeling but still remains in front of the camera as well as behind as the Executive Producer on America's Next Top Model and The Tyra Banks Show. Americas Next Top Model is on cycle twelve and still going strong. She is also making an appearance in the new Hannah Montana movie!

We love our models, but most importantly they aren’t just models, all these women are involved in charities and most went to college. It’s great that our favorite beauties have the brains too!

www.shoplikeanna.com

July was a busy and exciting month for Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place star, Selena Gomez. Selena celebrated her sweet sixteen and the birthday-present of her dreams…a record deal! She’ll have no problem getting her own car now!

Selena celebrated her birthday and the good news at the Hollywood Hotspot, Kress, where Wizards of Waverly costar, David Henrie attended along with best friend and Camp Rock Star, Demi Levato, Kim and Chloe Kardashian, and Cheetah Girl, Sabrina Bryan.

Sources say that although Hollywood Records is part of the music group, she was courted by other labels because she does not have an exclusive deal.

Selena recently shot a music video for her latest single, “Tell Me Something I Don’t Know,” from her upcoming Warner Premier Movie, Another Cinderella Story. The video was shot in Northbridge, California and choreographed by Hi Hat, who has worked with successful artists like Missy Elliot and Gwen Stefani. This will be Selena’s second music video. Her first was for the single, “Fly to Your Heart,” from Disney’s upcoming animated movie, Tinker Bell: North of Neverland.

To add to her busy schedule, Selena is also getting ready for the second season of “Wizards of Waverly Place”. E! Online reported that Selena said “this season is going to be even more amazing than the first. We found our characters. We know what works. The show gets better and better.”

This fall look forward to her two upcoming flicks, Another Cinderella Story and Tinker Bell: North of Neverland, her new music videos, and another season of the “Wizards of Waverly Place” on the Disney Channel.
Celebrity

www.shoplikeanna.com

Famous for playing Lilly Truscott in the Emmy award- nominated Disney Channel show, Hannah Montana, Emily Osment is making a name for herself! A 16 year old with talents such as acting, singing and songwriting, she has a lot to offer! Emily is currently working on an album and dished to, Taft High Tribune about her taste saying, “..I’m working on my album right now. All the songs are original and written by me. And I’m NOT with Disney. I’m aiming for indie rock. It’s going to be like nothing you’ve ever heard from a Disney star.” I’m into Radiohead, The Shin and Incubus. My music icon is John Lennon.”

This isn’t the first time Emily is singing, she also joined Hannah Montana co-star, Mitchell Musso to record “If I Didn’t Have You” which became a pop hit among teens! Check out the video above! Tell Shop Like Anna what you think of the song? Will you buy her new album? She also sang, “I don’t think about it” attracting millions of viewers on YouTube!

Also stay tuned for “Hannah Montana: The Movie” currently being filmed in Tennessee. Mark your calendars for the release date of May 1st 2009.

www.shoplikeanna.com

It’s that time again; school is just around the corner! Along with your back to school supply shopping, be sure to hit the department stores and start the year off with an A+ wardrobe!

As always, our back to school trends filter down from runway to magazines to celebrities and finally, straight into our favorite stores. So let's start at the beginning, the Fall 2008 catwalk.

So what are this year’s fall fashion essentials? The year of the tomboy has come! The biggest runway look this year was a strong, classic feminine vibe with a boyish twist. Yes, it may be time to give menswear a shot! Keep your eye out for these styles, colors and textures and patterns as you browse through the clothing rack this season.

STYLE: FALL FASHION MUST HAVES
Fitted Blazers and Vests- We saw the emergence of the vest this Spring over a tee or tank top and it, as well as the mens blazer, transitions into fall in rich fabrics like corduroy and velvet.

Feminine, Vintage Blouses and Pins- It's not all about the boy fit, feminine types can dress up a simple blazer with a ruffled shirt or a fun, glam brooch.

Tall boots- Always a fall staple, tall boots are in again but taking off on the gladiator trend with lots of straps.

Relaxed Fit and Wide Leg Pants- The tomboy strikes again with tons of designers like Peter Som, Isaac Mizrahi and Proenza Schouler sending billowing, slouchy pants down the runway as well as jeans and pants with wide bottoms. The skinny jean is officially OUT!

Dark Florals- A huge trend this Spring,florals will stick around through fall but with a twist. Look for darker floral patterns like burgundy roses and deep purple posies on dark backgrounds.

Clashing Patterns- The time has also come for those who tend to roll out of bed and put "whatever" together. Mixing patterns was a sure trend on the runway from designers like Diane Von Furstenberg and Rodarte. Plaid and florals, stripes and animal prints, throw anything together and you'll still be in style!

COLORS
Often you begin to see the warm tones of autumn as fall approaches, it will happen this year, with a few differences. While black remains the go-to basic and many designers went gothic this year sending their black frocks down the catwalk with spider web-like stockings, look out for deep jewel colors to bust out of those black shaded fashion doldrums. As tempting as it is to put on brown and beige every day in the cold mornings, a jewel tone green will make you look and feel much better.

TEXTURES & PATTERNS
This season is not just about how good your wardrobe looks, but also how it feels. Mix and match luxe fabrics like tweed and houndstooth that come in bold plaids and other sophisticated patterns. Fortunately, comfort is the name of the game as these plush textures usually make a pretty comfortable, and now fashionable, ensemble.

STYLE BONUS
Leggings are out but stockings are IN! The Fall runway was packed with leggy models wearing printed and patterned nylons that can give some pop to any boring outfit.

www.shoplikeanna.com

The new school year is quickly approaching and You may not exactly be thrilled for school to be in session, but here’s one thing you can certainly get pumped up for! Decorating your locker! Impress your friends and show them who has the coolest space in school. Decorating your space will set your mind at ease, and will have you starting off your school year in style.

1) Check on your schools policies about locker decorating. Some schools will let you express yourself while others have policies stating that altering your locker in any way is prohibited. Even if your school allows you to decorate your locker, don't use anything that can't be removed at the end of the school year since future students will use it.

2) Pick a theme! Whether you're the sporty type, a glam girl or an animal lover, your locker should reflect an aspect of your life that makes you happy, this way your locker can be a little pick-me-up in between classes. Post pictures of your pet, pictures of your best friends or your favorite sports player. Make sure your theme is something that makes you smile!

3) There are hundreds of fun accessories to purchase at your local “back to school section” of the store! Find magnetic pencil holders to grab that pen fast when you’re running behind! Or hooks to hold your purse on! You can create just about anything to help ease your way through the day!

4) Keep your locker clean! Make sure you keep your fun space organized and clean so you can find those books on your way to class. Your locker is your oasis throughout the day so never leave any food or snacks overnight and invest in a stick on deodorizer!

5) Make it practical! Leave yourself reminder notes or post a list of things to do, buy, people to call and see in your locker so that you have reminders during the day! You can even buy a small calendar and count down the days to Spring Break! Your locker can act as your own personal assistant.

6) Show school spirit! What better place to display your school pennant or colors than your locker! Root for the Tiger, Pirates or whatever your school mascot happens to be, by decorating your locker with school spirit!

Have fun! Post pictures of your space when school’s back in session! Shop Like Anna girls would love to see what you’ve done with the place! Happy Decorating!!

www.shoplikeanna.com

Shopping at the mall is always fun, but when you want to be one of a kind, vintage is the way to go! It is always fun to find something that you know no one else will have. It also doesn’t hurt that you pay half as much. But, there are steps to shopping vintage, information you must know before you head into the jungle of clothes.

First, you must allow yourself some time. When you're vintage shopping you cannot necessarily run in, pick up what you need and leave. You must have time to browse through all the racks. Some stores are very organized; they have all the dresses in one spot and all the shirts in another. Other stores just hang items up where ever they fit. So give yourself lots of time, and then you won’t miss a thing.

Next, you have to be ready to dig; this is not the kind of shopping you're use too. You may be looking through the bin of scarves and then find a really cute belt! That’s the kind of surprises that makes vintage shopping fun. It's sort of like a fashion treasure hunt.

We understand if some of you are kind of skeptical about wearing other peoples clothing, but you're in luck! Most thrift and vintage stores screen the clothing they receive so you won't get anything soiled or unwearable. You also don’t actually have to get clothes; they also have purses, scarves, belts, and jewelry. You can find jewelry that dates all the way back to the twenties! How many people do you know can say that? In every town there is a vintage shop; most cities have a Salvation Army. If you’re in the Chicago area, check out Clothing Optional on North Clark. If you’re in New York, Alice Underground is a great shop, and L.A., hit up Jet Rag. If you can’t get yourself to a city, there is plenty to see on the web, go to Rustyzipper.com, their prices are great, and all their clothes are in great shape. If you don’t feel like looking, ask your family; your grandma, aunts, or even your mom might have some great stuff for you hidden away!

The best part about vintage shopping is that the vintage look is always in. Trends die but inevitably come back around (think leggings, maxi dresses and bang haircuts,) so your vintage finds will be closet staples!

www.shoplikeanna.com

We know you've heard the big speeches about staying out of the sun. So, we're going to spare you on the skin damage. But what we will tell you are some safe alternatives to have that healthy glow!

One option is sunless tanning products; they usually come in the form of a lotion, cream or gel. When applied to your skin, they "tan" (or really, stain) the top layer f the epidermis, then gradually fade away the more you bathe and slough off skin cells in your daily routine.
Sunless products are also helpful because you don’t have to use them on your whole body. If you want to keep just your legs tan, or your face needs color, you can put it on wherever. Sunless tanning products have come a long way from streaky orange messes, many moisturizers have a small amount of self tanner in them so that if you apply daily, you will slowly get a subtle glow, and subtle is the name of the game! Be sure to test out your self tanner before buying as many contain chemicals that can irritate your skin or unpleasant smells and always wash yor hands directly after applying so as not to be caught "red handed."
Another option is to go to a salon. Most tanning salons and and spas offer a spray tan treatment. They use a machine that you step into, it then sprays the front and back of your body with a light dusting of tanner. You’re covered from head to toe. This is a great way to get a dark color, but can get pretty expensive. So keep it for a special occasion!

Now after you work on your indoor tan, your face tan is usually the first to fade. You put make-up on and you wash your face, so the tan will weaken much faster. Another way to keep your face looking sun kissed is to buy yourself some bronzer and lightly brush on your forehead, chin, and cheekbones, where the light will naturally hit and you’re done! A pretty summer glow, for a pretty summer girl without the after burn!

Anna's Recommendations:
L'Oreal Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer, $6.99 www.drugstore.com

Neutrogena Instant Bronze, Sunless Tanner and Bronzer in One, $9.62 www.drugstore.com

Sephora Body Self Tanning Instant Bronzer Mist, $12 www.sephora.com
Go Vintage!