Yes, the string bikini is a "classic." That cannot be disputed. But does this one fit? Do the strings need to be tied a little tighter on that top? Do I sound like my mother?

Please to be explaining how this is "sporty." Also, will someone please help this woman? She is clearly stranded on some sharp rocks, and the hat won't be of service.

Just in case the swimsuits haven't been small enough for you, or haven't shown enough skin, here we have some cut-outs.

This is alright. But isn't it funny how the suits in Glamour, which offered more coverage, seemed more flattering to the body and less strained?

The single one-piece shown in this feature seems to lack both lining and support. It does offer boobsquash! Is this a desirable look?

Frankly, these cups could be a smidge wider.

This is a heavenly little suit, which is maybe why we only see one set of footprints.

Earlier: Lucky's "Month Of Outfits" Breaks The Bank
Lucky Editor Ponders Purchase Of $225 Sweat Shorts
Recessionistas: Lucky Will Help You Spend What Little Money You Have Left
Lucky Promotes "Nude" Shoes, But For Whom?
You'll Need Gold Bars To Afford Lucky's "Loose Change"
Lucky Magazine Brings Outrageous Fortune To The Less Fortunate
Ali Larter: Lucky Girl

Of course the feature is supposed to be inspirational. Or aspirational. But while some of the outfits are lovely, others are ridiculous. This "Uptown Classic" is fine. Nice, even.

What temperature is it that both "Undone Ladylike" and "Breezy Seductive" are appropriate? Also, the only place to go wearing that "Breezy Seductive" getup is to bed. In other news, the "'80s Minimalist" pants flatter no one, which is why we left them in the '80s.

You'd better love your arms and thighs if you want to rock that "Comfortably Cute" ensemble. The horizontal stripes on "Sleek Yet Slouchy" ruin it, in my opinion, and you basically have to be a model to get away with a belted tiered skirt ("Chicly Countrified"). Also, "Feminine And Fresh" has that not-so-fresh feeling. We've seen a navy skirt with a white tee before.

I can tell you right now that the blousy top and wide pants of "Neatly Offhand" will make me look even bigger than I already am. "Tomboyish Safari" is a joke, right? "Urbane Nautical" is pretty, though.

No and no.

And here we have "The Closet." The "38 Items You'll Want Right Now." Let's add it up, shall we?

• pencil skirt: $750
• tube skirt: $49
• mini skirt: $200
• boyfriend blazer: $270
• cropped jacket: $198
• tie jacket: $178
• maxi skirt: $99
• skinny belt: $25
• asymmetrical dress: $365
• sheath: $187
• belt: $64
• chain: $370
• ring: $68
• earrings: $78
• bangles: $7
• necklace: $98
• trousers: $245
• pleated pants: $242
• blouse $109
• shell: 175
• tank: $18
• vest: $109
• shirt: $69
• top: $175
• tee: $172
• cardigan: $195
• leopard dress: $160
• clutch: $285
• satchel: $60
• hobo bag: $179
• clutch: $169
• scarf: $30
• thongs: $79
• pumps: $75
• booties: $27
• platforms: $250
• flats: $36
• tank dress: $288
• TOTAL: $6,153

That's just for one month — in June, you're on your own!

You already know the answer: For people with a certain skin color.

I remember, as a kid, when Crayola crayons had a color called "flesh." The company changed the name from "flesh" to "peach" in 1962, right when the Civil Rights Movement was in full-force, and I was coloring more than a decade later, but I remember "flesh" fairly vividly, and I'm not the only one. Maybe I had old crayons. (Or knock-offs?) In any case, I was distinctly aware that, as a black kid, my skin was a lot darker than what the crayon people were declaring was standard.

I also recall the first time I realized that Band-Aid bandages were supposedly "flesh" colored. The little strips that always showed up like a pop of bright beige on my skin totally blended in on the knee of my childhood buddy, who was, of course, Caucasian.

It's terrible to feel like your skin color makes you an undesirable client, an afterthought, not worthy of consideration. And it came rushing back when I saw Lucky suggesting I ought to try "nude" shoes. The idea is that the color of the shoe fades into your skin tone, extending the leg. But since I'm not white, they certainly won't make my legs look a mile long.

The dictionary lists one definition of "nude" as "the color of a white person's flesh," which means that the Lucky editors are using it correctly; I just wish they weren't using it at all.

Perhaps you're looking for new ways to describe that healthy glow in your cheeks. How about "a natural I've-run-amok-in-a-sunny-field flush" (p. 232). For days when you're feeling a little less glowy, try "I-went-berserk-on-a-subway-train pallor."


Or maybe you're sick of boring old "smoky" eyeliner. Try Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil — according to Wende Zomnir in Lucky, it's "totally smokable" (p. 230). Toke up!



For those difficult lip-describing situations, pick up YSL Rouge Pure Shine No. 26. Lucky Beauty editor Jean Godfrey-June says it will make your lips more "lip-colored" (p. 246).



Not enough Colbert in your hair? Get Ricky's Rx Sensitive Series Hair Clips. They're "grippy" (p. 242).



And best of all, here's a new way to describe your favorite eye brightener: "dewifying" (p. 236). At first I thought this would somehow rid your face of the influence of the book Wifey, but actually it just makes you look more dewy — you know, like a baby. In fact, since babies are so hip this season, maybe you should take a page from their book and not talk at all. Instead just light up an eyeliner and go run amok someplace.

Lucky

Left, March 2007 cover line: "Heroes Star Ali Larter: Low-Key, So Glamorous" Right, May 2008 cover line: "Ali Larter: Secrets To Her Gorgeous California-Girl Look"

March cover clothing (left): Zac Posen dress, Bebe cardigan. May cover clothing (right): Banana republic silk shell and belt; Stella McCartney vest; Mason by Michelle Mason pants. March cover makeup: All by Chanel. May cover makeup: All by Revlon.

Her Way, March 2007 (left): "My easiest, never-fail outfit is a plain white tank, old Levi's, and a pair of chic thing sandals." Plus: "Ali MacGraw is inspiring because she consistently manages to look elegant, without being overdone." Her Way, May 2008 (right): "I literally go through at least two pairs of thong sandals a season, so I look for affordable ones that I don't have to worry about tearing up." Store shout-out: "I always have the best luck at Decades vintage in L.A. It's so much fun to wear clothes that have a story behind them."

Her Way, continued, March 2007 (left): "Sometimes I'm just craving a sweet floral print — and Dolce & Gabbana has such gorgeous ones." Store shout-out: "Malgosia is one of my favorite stores in L.A. It sells intricately detailed pieces that don't seem mass-produced." Her Way, continued, May 2008: "I've been channeling Ali MacGraw's fresh, all-American look from the '70s, with pink nails against bronzed skin." Plus: "To me, Jerry Hall's look in the '80s is the pure definition of sexy, with her long, wavy hair and really bold lips." (Hmm, like the March cover!)

Summary: Ali Larter likes thong sandals, floral dresses and Ali MacGraw. And she told us so, last March.

Earlier: Lucky Magazine's Idea Of "Sexy" Simply Isn't
Lucky Magazine's Sexy, Glamorous "Caption Dementia"
Lucky Magazine's Pretty, Sexy, Seriously One-Track Mind
Lucky Magazine's Ultra-Elegant And Sophisticated One-Track-Mind
'Lucky' Magazine's Subtle, Feminine, Chic, Annoyingly One-Track Mind

Lucky Says: "Low-key (and sexy!) Hair and makeup" Where: On the cover, referring to the hair and makeup feature starting on page 180, specifically this type of eyeliner.

Lucky Says: "Sexy racerback straps" Where: page 102

Lucky Says: "Sweetly sexy silk dresses" Where: In the table of contents, referring to the dresses in the feature starting on page 95

Lucky Says: "These sexy peep-toe heels" Where: page 248

Lucky Says: "Makeup that's sexy and full of attitude" (Look familiar?) Where: page 180

Lucky Says: "Thick enough for a subtle, sexy shine, yet sheer enough to feel sophisticated and barely there." Where: page 168

Lucky Says: "Not only does this drape gorgeously, the deep front and keyhole back are amazingly sexy." Where: page 85

Lucky Says: " The key to making buttery yellow jeans super sexy is to wear them super-skinny." Where: page 256

Lucky Says: [Regarding smudging pale eyeshadow and dark eyeliner as opposed to smudging dark eyeshadow with dark eyeliner] "It's also significantly easier to do — and the sexy slept-in effect is the same." Where: page 184, part of the makeup feature starting on page 180

Lucky Says: "A sexy fresh blend of Egyptian Jasmine, Turkish Rose attar, and Damascus plum." Where: page 164

Lucky Says: "Sparkling and floral, this sophisticated fragrance is also sexy and mysterious." Where: On page 82, referring to another perfume featured again on page 164

Lucky Says: "As a manicure, it's too daring for me, but there are those who will pull it off; on toes, its sexy and funny, which is the best one can hope for in polish, no?" Where: page 176

'Elegant', 'Elegance':
Number Of Appearances: 8
Definition: -adjective, noun 1. tastefully fine or luxurious in dress, style, design, etc. 2. gracefully refined and dignified, as in tastes, habits, or literary style. 3. graceful in form or movement: an elegant wave of the hand. 4. appropriate to refined taste.
Used To Describe: a "real" interior designer's look (p. 128); the combination of rust, deep plum, black and white in an outfit (p. 124); an asymmetrical dress (p.112); "rocker-y" black satin trousers (p. 148); a Tiffany's money clip (p. 148); a blah purse (p. 58); accessories in general (p. 143); boots (p. 70).

'Gorgeous', 'Gorgeously'
Number Of Appearances: 9
Definition: -adjective, adverb. 1. splendid or sumptuous in appearance, coloring. 2. extremely good, enjoyable, pleasant.
Used to describe: the lingering smell of wildflowers (p. 89); jewelery (p. 84); a Juicy tote (p. 81); the smell of flowers (p. 92); the reworking of a shirt (p. 113); the complexity of a perfume (p.91); handmade housewares (p. 138); the look makeup artist Robin Fredricksz creates (p. 98); items to purchase that will contribute to poverty awareness (p. 15).

'Sophisticated'
Number Of Appearances: 12
Definition: -adjective 1.altered by education, experience, etc., so as to be worldly-wise; not naïve. 2. pleasing or satisfactory to the tastes of sophisticate. 3. deceptive; misleading. 4. complex or intricate, as a system, process, piece of machinery, or the like.
Used to describe: a tote (p. 26); office attire (p. 77); the way throwing a scarf on makes the "real" person feel (p. 81); Blake Lively's fitted pencil skirt (p. 82); Urban Outfitters' turn for winter (p. 143); Missoni solid fragrance necklace (p. 91); the cut of some flat calfskin boots (p. 70); impeccably tailored cargo pants (p. 107); the free-spirited vibe of a dress from Biba (p. 111); the way a "real" interior designer wants to feel when meeting potential clients (p. 128); the effect of using local ingredients in perfumes (p. 92).

'Ultra' + some other word
Number Of Appearances: 6
Definition: -adverb very or excessively.
Used to describe: -creamy: a Bobbi brown foundation stick (p. 98); -fine: leather of a hobo bag (p. 104); -flattering: skinny Levi's (p. 60); -romantic: lingerie (p. 15); -hip: a Venice boutique (p.20); body oil (p. 26); -warm: Ugg's shearling (p. 70).

Earlier: Lucky Magazine's Pretty, Sexy, Seriously One-Track Mind
Lucky' Magazine's Subtle, Feminine, Chic, Annoyingly One-Track Mind

It's me! I'm in the January 08 issue of Lucky Magazine. Note: This is not my "foolproof" outfit nor did any of those words exit my mouth ;)

'Pretty', 'Prettily', 'Prettiest'
Number Of Appearances: 13
Definition: -adjective, adv. 1. pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness. 2. pleasing to the eye. 3. pleasing to the ear. 4. pleasing to the mind or aesthetic taste. 5. fine; grand. 6. considerable, fairly great.
Used To Describe: $57 YSL eyeshadow (p. 216); the way that an A-line skirt works for someone with small shoulders (p. 114); a '20s silhouette (p. 259); cherry blossom print coasters (p. 247); Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerly Soft Body Shimmer (p. 164); a top to wear for a "laid-back romantic" feel (p. 109); white brocade pieces (p. 100), a subtle fragrance (p. 238); a townhouse (p. 274); a necklace that a chick who opened her own east village boutique-slash-bar-slash at WTF-23-years-old wears (p. 106); "dark and sparkly" makeup (p. 155); a potter's aesthetic (p. 282); a sweater's neckline (p. 122).

Word: 'Sexy'
Number Of Appearances: 13
Definition -adjective 1. concerned predominantly or excessively with sex, risqué. 2. sexually interesting or exciting. 3. excitingly appealing; glamorous.
Used To Describe: "pieces" (cover); gold rings (p. 222); rugged boots (p. 110); the smell of tuberose (p. 240); mixing mini-skirts and knee high boots (p. 128); the 70's tuxedo vibe (p. 94); Guiseppe Zanotti shoes (p. 140); a 70's inspired dress (p. 218); black platform shoes in general (p. 25); green eyeshadow from Bourjois (p. 155); the cut of a dress (p. 100); a bedazzled panther shirt (p. 78).

Word: 'Glam', 'Glamour', 'Glamourous', 'Glamourously', 'Glamorize'
Number Of Appearances: 12
Definition: -adjective; noun; adjective; adv.; tr. v. 1. the quality of fascinating, alluring, or attracting, esp. by a combination of charm and good looks. 2. excitement, adventure, and unusual activity. 3. magic or enchantment.
Used To Describe: looks and makeup (cover); a way to spice up pinstripes (p. 146); tucking in a white shirt (p. 118); figure-flattering party tops (p. 116); a topaz ring (p. 56); peep toe shoes (p. 88); a gold panther necklace (p. 78); twilight prints (p. 98); MOR Flower of Narcissus Hand Lotion (p. 224); packaging at the Lauderee sweet shop in Paris (p. 194); the way a day-care center operator does not get to dress often (p. 134).

Word: 'Serious', 'Seriously'
Number Of Appearances: 7
Definition: -adjective; adv. 1. of, showing, or characterized by deep thought. 2. of grave or somber disposition. 3. being in earnest; sincere, not trifling. 4. requiring thought, concentration, or application. 5. weighty or important. 6. giving cause for apprehension. 6. of a patient's condition: having unstable or otherwise abnormal vital sings and other unfavorable indicators, as loss of appetite and poor mobility.
Used To Describe: a pair of "gleaming crimson satin heels" (p. 88); a leather bag's hardware (p. 98), the benefits of oil in wheat germ (p. 25, p. 196); a velvet purse with a "mosaic of faceted stones" (p.83); the "hit of luxury" that a clutch can inebriate its rightful owner with (p. 218); the method by which one can toughen up a wool skirt with a turtleneck (p. 148).

Earlier: Lucky Magazine's Subtle, Feminine, Chic, Annoyingly One-Track M ind

"Gold hoops are such an essential, classic accessory," Minnello tells Lucky. In fact, if you wear them consistently enough, they can be used to identify you in "sexy?" pictures taken with coked up starlets six years your junior!

Also beloved by Vanessa: "Beautiful, complicated necklaces", "flattering, girly" dresses, "halter tops", (because "there's nothing sexier than showing off our shoulders and back"... except maybe your tits!) and "thin, comfortable lace thongs," which she calls "perfect for everyday." (She wears a thong everyday! How respectful and sophisticated!!)

What she doesn't show us, however, is the sheer little number in which she licked Lindsay Lohan's knife. But we found it! Courtesy Forever 21!

Lucky
Related: Sheer Polka Dot Top [Forever21]

"If you don't have a lot of money, you won't be happy reading this magazine," said Sandy Golinkin, Lucky's vice president and publisher.

MRI Figures Well For Fashion [MediaWeek]
Rich Readers = Happy Advertisers [WWD]

Haha, kidding! Of course we need popstars to tell us what to buy. But that's why God created the Olsen Twins! After the jump, we assess the metamorphosis that has occured within Avril since being spawned by the Matrix in 2003 of Seventeen, Jane, and Lucky magazines... and, oh yes, her new album, which comes out this week.

Since Avril started giving her first "not a tomboy anymore" interviews in early 2004, she has transported her skateboard in a limo, dyed her hair white with a pink streak a la Rachel McAdams, made bank writing the song "Breakaway" for Kelly Clarkson and gotten married in a Vera Wang dress outside Santa Barbara. Is she still punk? (And by "punk", we mean does she still shop at Hot Topic?) Was she ever really one of us? Who is she?

Evidence in the April issue of Seventeen was heartening. Avril extolls the virtue of Bath & Body Works' berry body sprays and $15 Target flats, and poses in Doc Martens, those American Apparel socks made famous by classy lady Lauren Phoenix, Forever 21 boots and a super cute Charlotte Russe jumper. So far, so within our budget constraints!!

But then she shows up in Jane, wearing the same Tonya Harding-esque scowl/severe eyeliner but a much pricer wardrobe: $160 Diesel sweater, an $895 Mia and Kompany skull necklace and a $235 Max and Co jacket.

Then this month the skateboarding star poses for the most honest (about its intentions) women's magazine in the world, Lucky, in a collection of items apparently "worth" $1500. Not punk!

So what about the "music"??? Devoted Avril fans can delight: nothing whatsoever has happened to Avril Lavigne's signature punk sound: we downloaded four whole Avril songs with a little help from our pink-hued sisters at Idolator, and despite her protestations to the contrary in USA Today, she sounds exactly the same! (Except that there may be more curse words, even as she also overuses the word "damn", which we thought had been rendered obsolete by the word "fucking" in 1997.)

The album drops April 17, folks! Don't forget to not download it!

Avril's Best Damn Thing [USA Today]

Win Avril's Cover Look [Lucky]
The New Avril Lavigne Album Is Not That Complicated [Idolator]
Avril Is Upset With Songwriting Partner [StarPulse]

Thank goodness, then, for Kim France, the onetime Sassy editor who became the founding editor of Lucky, which quickly became one of the most commercially-successful magazine launches of the past decade by foregoing, you know, content to focus on showing Sassy readers of yore how to spend their dubiously-gotten gains. The just-launched Lucky blog StyleByte is no exception to this surefire formula: Today, senior editor Emily Hsieh gives an overpriced French "dry shampoo" rave reviews based on an office drive-by on the part of her colleague, associate fashion editor Ann Brady.

Seeing her hair was all I needed to convince me—although she claimed she hadn't washed it in 2 days, it looked as full and shiny as could be.

So wait, two one-night-stands in a row!? That's so...Jane!

Lucky Style Blog [Lucky]
Related: Kim France, How Did We Get Here? [RedInked]
Related: Today's Tip: Baby Powder Your Hair [FabSugar]