Reese Witherspoon has it all. While Julie Roberts took time off from being America’s Golden Girl for double-duty mommy detail, the pixie actress stepped in to fill the $20 million a flick void.  And the Legally Blonde star majorly upgraded her love life post-Phillippe, trading the double-dipping C-lister for Brokeback Mountain squeeze Jake Gyllenhaal.

So what’s with the Debbie Downer duds lately, Reese? The couture cutie hasn’t exactly been sporting ho-ho-ho Santa sweaters on the promotional trail for her heapin’-helping-o-holiday-humor movie Four Christmases.  Noticeably absent, co-star Vince Vaughn, lending credence to those naggingly persistent rumors that the only chemistry generated between them was intense dislike.

The actress, who won an Oscar for channeling June Cash in Walk the Line returned to her countrified roots at the Country Music Awards, and used the opportunity to walk on the dark side of fashion.  Reese cut a dramatic path through the sea of cowboy hats and big-as-Texas belt buckles in a black, one-shoulder Marchesa gown with peekaboo lace bodice.  On someone like, say Kim Kardashian, this saucy number would look like a “Dancing with the Stars” costume but this being Reese; she shows just enough skin to be classy instead of trashy.

She even ditched her usual sunny Southern belle style for the movie’s premiere, sporting an emo Nina Ricca dress, complete with heavy eye-liner that Pete Wentz would envy, gold dagger necklace and black open-toe booties.  Is the threat of violence the new black?

Maybe the moody getups are PR payback for the “Type A” star having to pretend that Vince “Type Balding Slob” Vaughn is still a swinging heart throb and not a pudgy, played-out player.  What on *earth* did Jennifer Aniston ever see in him?!

Unlike that indigestible holiday fruit cake or that horrible hand-knit sweater from Grandma, you won’t want to re-gift these gorgeous Sergio Rossi booties.

Posted By ShoeMinx Beauty Paige Muller

Welcome to the Thong Economy. This company is boldly letting it ride on Heidi Klum’s million-dollar smile and Adriana Lima’s considerable cleavage. And the Dow-fatigued guest list is simply loving it. What economic crisis? The only hubbub at this show was seating plan drama. Who gets to sit next to Seal and Sean Combs? What’s the furthest tangent we can seat Paris Hilton from ex-BFF Kim Kardashian?

“This show is about celebrating the future. We must celebrate beauty, even when times are tough. We have to be tough right back,” Klum tells me backstage. Obviously this is one modelpreneur who’s been media trained beyond, “Let them eat cake.” Brazilian stunner Adriana Lima put the show’s extravagance in an even cheekier perspective, “What are we supposed to do, wear cotton?”

Indeed, the Angel Ambassadors are right on message with how democratic Victoria’s Secret gift giving is designed to be. Aussie beauty Miranda Kerr quoted entry-level price points to me while crowd favorite Marissa Miller declared, “Who can’t afford to give their girlfriend a Victoria’s Secret Satin Robe - they start at $24! Anyone can enjoy a little luxury in the bedroom, all it take is one little gift and a lot of imagination.”

Canadian consumers will soon be able to live out role-playing fantasies in Victoria Secret dressing rooms. “We’ll be opening the first two Victoria Secret stores in Canada in the summer of 2009,” confirms CEO Sharen Turney, leader of this $5.5 billion brand. “We purchased La Senza in January 2007, so we’re very invested in the Canadian market.”

Budgeted at a little over a hefty $10 Million, the lingerie line’s remarkable holiday event features a full orchestra, a glitter-dusted runway, 35 of the most celebrated models in the world and performances by Usher. The show is the perennial “hot ticket” of the winter social calendar, with VS enthusiasts spending up to $25,000 on a single ticket. Inside, even A-Listers look relieved to finally be settled in. Martha Stewart and John Stamos manage to make the first row, while Aubrey O’Day is relegated to fifth row status. To get to my seat, I must practically climb over Debbie Harry, squeeze past Olympian Amanda Beard and eventually trip over Lenny Kravitz’s Cavalli shoes. As he catches me he laughs, “You golden?” which I assume translates to, “You okay?” Social surrealism, indeed.

The lights go down, the orchestra takes its place and Barack Obama’s acceptance speech mixes with Depeche Mode to make for an interesting opening track. An unseen announcer proclaims, “The glamour is back at the Fontainebleau.” The anticipation of something to be talked about for decades to come fills the room and the show begins.

Despite the nubile gene-candy on display, veteran supermodel Heidi Klum clearly steals the show, soliciting the most catcalls and applause. British stylist, Charlotte Stockdale, transforms the brand’s lingerie into a Utopian fantasy of glamour. She cleverly accessorizes with Vegas showgirl ruffles, Pierre Hardy stiletto heels, Swarovski crystals, gladiator body armor and of course, the wings - a beloved signature feature of the brand - made, as ever, by Martin Izquierdo. Stockdale’s key fashion themes: Glamour Goddess, Dangerous, The Moderns, Pink Planet, Ballet des Fleurs and Black tie Holiday.

Touches of fall season trends showed up in ombre patterns in sheer robes and a dramatic set of black and white wings. Jewel tones - especially amethyst - popped up in many of the more eye-catching pieces. Yet the basic formula of the mega-success show endures unchanged - merging the earthy Afro-Brazilian Carnival aesthetic with airy Christian angel wings. When worn by models with Nordic or Germanic morphology, this blockbuster trifecta of elements draws attention like no other holiday show.

In keeping with the Richard Branson-on-a-bender “big spender” theme, the showstopper elicited evangelical applause as Adriana Lima strut onto the catwalk wearing the Victoria’s Secret Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra. Celebrity jeweler Martin Katz created this one-of-a-kind creation exclusively for the brand. Priced at $5 Million USD, the bra is set with 3,575 black diamonds, 117 certified 1-carat round diamonds and 34 rubies, with a piece de resistance of two lavish black diamond drops totaling 100 carats. Designed for maximum cleavage enhancement and adorned with nearly 3,900 stunning gems, the total carat weight is a whopping 1500 carats.

Bringing the show to a dramatic finale, Heidi Klum makes her way down the runway sporting a sky-high sparkly scarlet bow on her back, while dazzling red fireworks light up the night behind her. As I leave the venue, the response is unanimously favorable: “most accomplished show ever”, “brilliant execution”, and “utter perfection”. This is simply the most fun I’ve ever seen the perennially unimpressed A-List having. As crowds left the massive poolside tent housing the show, stars marveled at the 54-year-old Fontainebleau’s $1 billion reinvention and expansion.

“Jeff Soffer is simply extraordinary,” George Hamilton drawls as we dig into a plate piled high with stone crab claws. “He’s taken South Beach to a whole new level.” The Soffer family’s sprawling luxury hotel sits on 22 acres of primetime Collins Ave, featuring 11 restaurants and a 40,000-square-foot spa. James Caan reminds us that this was the playground of Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Judy Garland before he pats Hamilton on the back and saunters deeper into the venue.

In the ’60s, the Fontainebleau was a star-studded hive of infamous misbehavin’. Frank Sinatra lit up the nightclub and never missed a chance to take the ladies upstairs to enjoy the, ahem, impressive views from his suite. Sean Connery cut the male silhouette of the decade when he swam in the hotel’s iconic pool in Goldfinger. Architect Morris Lapidus‘ voluptuous masterpiece was an instant hit with JFK, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis - and with the Rat Pack entertaining in the lounge; this was the crown jewel of Miami Beach.

After the show, the couture crowd streams into Liv nightclub, tucked in steps away from the pool. I notice Hollywood types are much more inebriated than usual; for the entire opening week, hotelier Jeff Soffer hosts a cashless society - staff will not accept money, whether you order steak frites at brunch or your 7th specialty mojito at the pool. The impressive gesture of going through with an event of this magnitude in such a dire economic climate certainly had the guest list talking.

Tonight, Liv is the perfect backdrop for guests like Project Runway’s Christian Siriano in a silky green shirt to Terrance Howard showing off a throwback fedora. Proenza Schouler-esque skintight dresses are on everyone from Sarah Larsen to Amanda Bynes. I spot photographer Bruce Weber and Chloe Sevigny chatting up Donald Pliner and Alexander Wang. X Men Director Brett Ratner cozies up to Robert Duvall; the duo sips champagne atop a circular, glowing floor - a new kind of Miami Modern tableau.

Alexander Rodriguez partied until 4 AM with his all-male posse, curious that many women tried - and failed - to penetrate his tribe. The night before, A-Rod, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson relaxed in a private booth while Mariah Carey’s performance brought down the house for the hotel’s opening gala. A-Rod and Madonna-loyalist Paltrow made for the photo op of the weekend, in a red carpet snap that circled the globe in mere minutes.

Toward the end of the night, I run into Ed Razek, the show’s executive producer, and offer my congratulations. “It went off without a hitch. It’s the most watched fashion show in the world — and the most expensive,” exclaims Razek. “But it’s worth it - we showcase some of the best talent in the world. And we need to celebrate that more than ever this holiday season.”

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show will air on Wednesday, December 3rd (10:00 PM-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS.

Si Si Penaloza is the Editorial Director of Woman.ca, ShoeMinx.com and TheDailyPump.com

One Two Minute Anthem

Looks like Demi Lovato is kicking Selena Gomez’s ass when it comes to dethroning the overexposed and annoying Myley Cyrus.

The 15-year old actress/singer is touring with The Jones Brothers, catching huge buzz from her spirited rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at a Cowboys vs. Seahawks Thanksgiving game. She’s also starring in her very own show titled “Welcome to Mollywood.” Could this career path be any more carbon-copy? The difference is, Demi can actually sing.

The series will center on Molly, who comes from a small town and wins a role on a teen comedy series after competing on a nationwide search.

And what teen starlet doesn’t adore UGG boots? To shop for Demi’s latest UGGs, check out the hottest selection at the best price here.

For the UGG Australia’s 6th Annual Art + Sole Auction, Demi Lovato designed a pair of UGG boots. Each used the word “Hope” as their muse, she used a bunch of patches that had things had to deal with musical instruments, rock/music, & the peace sign. The auction starts December 1st. Proceeds will benefit funds at St. Jude Hospital. You can get more details and information by clicking here.

We are simply flabbergasted that the blogosphere now holds jpeg files of the future King of England’s private parts. Prince William was recently caught by a paparazzi reliveing himself on a fence during a polo match. Almost instantaneously, the frenzy to catch a glimpse of the crown jewels began crashing sites like a WiFi blitzkreig!

We’re sure you’ve already seen the surreal money shot elsewhere, so WOMAN.ca is doing her Commonwealth duty to restore sanity to the realm. So we offer you this warm and fuzzy image… or is this only making you feel more icky? If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t seen the photo, click here. In any case, our condolences to the Buckingham Palace PR Team. Yeah, good luck on that.

What’s the best part of the new fall TV season… Is it the must-see dramas?  The showmances?  Nah, it’s the lineup of beefcake who’ll heat up the small screen as the temperature cools.  Forget ABC, NBC or CBS.  Simon Baker, Blair Underwood or Jon Hamm are the choices you must be prepared to make as you prep for a night of TV viewing.

If ever there was a perfect man, he’s probably been scripted that way.  So from network dramas to cable comedies, pull up a seat on the sofa and scope out ShoeMinx’s Man Candy Special: The Drool Worthy Men of Primetime.

WE’D PLAY DOCTOR WITH HIM ANYTIME:

Feel a fever coming on? Yeah, it’s understandable. The mere idea of “Private Practice” star Tim Daly as a red-hot doctor is enough to make anyone feel flush. If our MD looked like this, we’d swap our granny panties for sexy Victoria’s Secret satin and lace for our next appointment.

FROM TEEN CRUSH TO GROWN UP HUNK:

It’s been years since Joshua Jackson won us over as Pacey on “Dawson’s Creek.” Now he’s back, as Peter Bishop on the Fox sci-fi series “Fringe,” where he’s all grown up but still a boyish, All-American heart-throb.  As a genius Fox Mulder type with puppy dog eyes, he’ll make you believe in the paranormal, too.

WE KNOW THEY’RE NOT GOOD FOR US . . . BUT WE CAN’T RESIST A BAD BOY:

As Don Draper, Jon Hamm offers a classic style of sexy in the Cary Grant mold. In his Brat Pack business suits on AMC’s 60s-era drama “Mad Men,” he commands the screen in true leading-man fashion. The show title is a play on Madison Avenue ad men but could just as easily be a reference to Hamm’s smoking-hot looks ¾they drive viewers mad.

Blair Underwood, who came to fame as a smooth-talking attorney on “L.A. Law,” smolders and schemes as sexy, moneyed Simon Elder on ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money.” With those bedroom eyes and slightly smirky smiles, the bazillionaire real estate mogul makes everyone around him weak in the knees.  That’s so money, baby.

WE WOULDN’T MIND GETTING ARRESTED:

Rakishly handsome, Simon Barker stars as a detective on CBS’ “The Mentalist” who pretends to be psychic but is really just good at noticing things.  We can’t help but notice the Aussie’s sexy tousled blond hair and twinkling blue eyes. It’s a good thing the former “Guardian” star isn’t really psychic. We would die of embarrassment if he could read our salacious thoughts.

NEW STUDS ON THE BLOCK:

Robert Buckley’s young photographer Kirby caused a lot of hearts to flutter during the first season of NBC’s “Lipstick Jungle.” With looks like an older, more buffed Zac Efron (but without the whole slightly uncomfortable “is he legal?” squick), the former “Fashion House” star is back for a second season-mostly with his shirt off.

The guys of “Gossip Girl” have some competition for Pretty Young Thing of the tween set. Hunky Brian Hallisay stars as Will Philips, a charming and wealthy Palm Beach dilettante, on the CW’s new teens-with-money soap opera, “Privileged.” Young, rich, easy-on-the-eyes.  . . It’s no wonder men in real life seem so lacking in comparison.

EVEN MOM WOULD APPROVE:

Geek is chic again thanks to “Chuck” star Zachary Levi. He may not have the abs of Michael Phelps, but they say the brain is our biggest sexual organ.  And Chuck’s got a big one of those.

John Krasinski’s Jim Halpert could make even the slowest day at ” The Office” worth the commute.  You may not get much work done with him around, but with those puppy dog eyes of his, you won’t really care. Hmmm, maybe you should give that shy guy at work a second look . . .

What better way to indulge in some TV testosterone than eating Ben and Jerry’s in Nine West Glorielle black leather pumps? Sheepishly, we do this all the time!

We love this delicious new trend. What’s sexier than bare naked feet? Bare naked feet swathed in sweet nude suede! Out to dinner with her hubby, Ellen Pompeo works a chocolate brown T-shirt dress with effortless ease. She added a touch of cool via a skinny studded belt and taupe-suede peep-toe booties. A black clutch sits casually under her arm, while a simple gold bangle adorns her wrist. You can compare dozens of open-toe styles on booties AND pumps at Shoecompare.

Hollywood events are all about the red carpet moment. You might not remember the movies that Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts or Gwyneth Paltrow were in, but you definitely remember the dresses they wore that “shut it down” on the Tinseltown catwalk.  But after the dutifully paparazzi-document moment in the pages of People, not many have the fashion fortitude to eclipse the “Best Dressed” list and become one of THE iconic red carpet dresses of all time.  In Joan and Melissa Rivers’ best-of-the-best red carpet mode, leading UK department store Debenhams compiled a poll to find out the all-time greatest red carpet gowns.

For better or worse, it is probably one of the most famous little black dresses ever. Thanks to Versace and their little black dress that was barely held together by large gold safety pins, Elizabeth Hurley’s star never shone so brightly as when she walked the red carpet with then-boyfriend Hugh Grant at the 1994 premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral.  The S&M-inspired little number that shot the “Bedazzled” star to fame was voted as the most iconic red carpet dress of all time.  Cher was robbed!  Besides, is there even enough fabric for it to be considered a “dress?”

A spokeswoman for Debenhams said: “Liz Hurley’s daring safety pin dress is one of the most famous black dresses worn on the red carpet, which made her a household name overnight. Our research shows how iconic the dresses worn on the red carpet have become with many of the stars making headlines from their outfits.”

A copy of the bare-to-there dress sold at luxury mecca Harrods last year for almost $20,000 as part of their Timeless Luxury, Little Black Dress exhibit.  We’re just dying to know if “Pimps Up, Ho’” Down Divine Brown has a Versace knock-off for those “I did a very bad thing,” customer requests. Oh, snap!

Estee Lauder cover girl Hurley paired her very LBD with a black, closed-toe sling-back.  Very curiously Amish given the flesh on parade.  A dress that super sexy needs a shiny, slightly slutty shoe-and we mean that in a good way.  Like these Manolo Blahnik gold ankle-wrap sequined sandals.

The rest of the “Best of the Red Carpet,” include:

2. Audrey Hepburn: white, belted flower patterned Givenchy dress, Oscars (1954)
3. Julia Roberts: black vintage Valentino dress, Oscars (2001)
4. Catherine Zeta-Jones: red Versace dress, Oscars (1999)
5. Jennifer Lopez: plunging sheer green Versace dress, Grammys (2000)
6. Keira Knightley: dark plum Vera Wang one shouldered dress, Oscars (2006)
7. Kate Winslet: red one shoulder flower strap gown by Ben de Lisi gown, Oscars (2002)
8. Halle Berry: Elie Saab net and embroidery topped dress, Oscars (2002)
9. Bjork: outrageous swan dress designed by Marjan Pejoski; Oscars (2001)
10. Kate Moss: vintage ripped Christian Dior gold satin gown, The Golden Age Of Couture VIP Gala, V & A Museum (2007)

11. Reese Witherspoon: knee length strapless yellow dress designed by Oliver Theyskens for Nina Ricci, Golden Globes (2007)
12. Cindy Crawford: Versace red plunge dress, Oscars (1991)
13. Gwyneth Paltrow: pink Ralph Lauren gown, Oscars (1999)
14. Charlize Theron: pale blue Christian Dior ruffle dress, Oscars (2005)
15. Penelope Cruz: pink strapless feathered Versace dress, Oscars (2007)
16. Hilary Swank: navy blue backless Guy Laroche dress, Oscars (2005)
17. Gisele: White Christian Dior strapless dress, Oscars (2005)
18. Cher: Bob Mackie’s sheer art deco-inspired creation, Oscars (1987)
19. Renee Zellwegger: pastel yellow strapless Lily et Cie dress, Oscars (2001)
20. Uma Thurman: crimson Alberta Ferretti Gown, Oscars (2000)

Tell ShoeMinx what you think:  Which red carpet dress is your favorite?

Coco Rocha first made it onto our radar with her summer Neiman Marcus ads. She’s a British Columbia-born supermodel and definitely worth keeping tabs on. She recently turned up to attend the Accessories Council Host 12th Annual ACE Awards at Cirpriani in New York in some pretty gorgeous silk platfom wedges.

Coco Rocha has come a long way since she found herself doing an Irish jig down the Jean Paul Gaultier runway a couple of seasons ago. In a time in fashion where fresh faced models are just as easily forgotten as what they’ve been eating, Coco has managed to navigate this picky industry and transform herself into a very hot commodity.

Just ask Anna Wintour. The editor-in-chief has put the Canadian in practically every issue of Vogue since Coco’s first appearance back in 2006.

Check out these super cute wedges at ShoeCompare and pair with your sweetest little black dress.

Coco knows how to walk off with free fashion after working it on the runway. So much so that she should be the new face of Aldo. The beauty gives Aldo a plug in a piece with NYT.

“I was in a frenzy there the other day. They had all these cute new styles. The salesgirls were like, ‘You’re Coco!” I was like, “Shhh, I’m not really buying all these shoes.” But I believe if you see something you like and it’s cheap, by all means get it. Just don’t do it head to toe. Carry an expensive bag.”

The moving boxes aren’t even packed yet and Michelle Obama, wife of president-elect Barack Obama, is already the most watched First Lady (in waiting) in fashion history since Camelot. After a succession of starchy attired wallflower wives, Mrs. O has shown she has what it takes to be the next White House style icon.  Even before her husband clinched the win for the Oval, she received the fashion industry’s vote of approval, topping Vanity Fair’s best dressed list.

In a town dressed down in Ann Taylor and Talbot separates and sensible shoes, the Ivy league-educated lawyer promises to bring a dash of glamour to dress up D.C.’s lack of vogue.  She carries herself with supermodel grace and opts for bright or floral feminine shift dresses, putting her own personal spin on the elegantly fuss-free look with an eye-catching brooch or necklace.

And in these serious economic times, Michelle’s democratic mix of high-low fashion is easily accessible by the masses from both the left and the right.  A black-and-white H&M dress she sported for an appearance with the ladies of The View immediately flew off the rack.  Politics aside, we’re pretty sure the public didn’t flock to their local mall to copy Laura Bush’s conservative librarian look or pick up a Hillary headband.  Amid the “Fashion-Gate” flack over the GOP’s $150K expenditure on designer clothes for Sarah Palin, Michelle pointedly mentioned that both she and Barack paid for their own campaign clothes and showed off an adorably affordable J Crew outfit that she bought online for an appropriately thrifty $340. We LOVE the thought of her checking out Gap.com in the White House Residence!

When it comes to accessories, the statuesque 5′11″ beauty has displayed a preference for ballet flats, much like fashionable French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Cole Haan Air Camille ballet flats are reportedly some of her favorites. Sky-high heels wouldn’t have exactly been practical on the arduous campaign trail, but according to Trendyshoeshop.com, she still loves to wear stilettos and slingback kitten heels on occasion.

After the fashion furor over the Narciso Rodriguez dress Michelle wore when Barack clinched the presidency, the whole world is chomping at the bit to see her inaugural gown pick and if she’ll showcase her elevation to fashionista-in-chief in a stellar pair of stilettos or stay grounded in dressy flats. In our opinion, if ever there was a time to sport a wickedly expensive pair of designer heels, accompanying your husband as he is sworn in as America’s first black president would be it.

In anticipation of four years (at least!) of fashion-watching at the White House, ShoeMinx offers Michelle these Rene Caovilla grey moiré slingbacks to pair with her oh-so-elegant signature style.

Posted by ShoeMinx Reporter Paige Muller

Kate Middleton looked more like a disco queen than a princess-in-waiting at the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco in London. You can just imagine “Let it Whip” playing in the background. Kate organized the charity event to raise funds for a new surgical ward in memory of an old school friend who died of cancer. Prince William’s on-again, off-again gal pal did her best Olivia Newton-John imitation in a green sequin top, yellow hot pants, electric pink leg warmers and black boots.  And lots of leg.  Royal watchers no doubt were well-pleased.  The Queen Mum probably less so.

Recently voted onto Vanity Fair’s “International Best-Dressed List,” the Roller Girl attire is quite a departure for the usually town-and-country clad Kate. The royalton swapped her black boots for bright pink 80s roller-skates, conjuring up echoes of the Late Princess Diana inline-skating through London’s Hyde Park.  That and her charitable works had UK tabloids furiously penning another round of “Is Kate Middleton the new Diana?” columns. What a royal pain.  Sometimes girls - even future residents of Buckingham Palace - just wanna have fun.

Black boots go with everything, even retro 80s outfits.  Shop for the best styles and prices here.