Confessions of a teenage drama queen slash gossip girl

Reality TV and cable has redefined drama. In the ‘80s, a time when big hair and zebra-like blush were big hits, many were glued to the boob tube to catch the latest scandals and heartbreaking dialog on Dynasty and Falcon Crest. The ’90s, similarly, was the year for partner-swapping plots and betrayal between blondes glorified by Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210. Enter the millenium, an era when reality TV and dating shows are just as much of a staple as fast food. At some time during the day, our worlds stop turning all in the name of shows like Survivor and Amazing Race. We get a good dose of laughter from auditions of this season’s American Idol. One can never seem to get enough of Simon’s cynicism and tight relations with cruelty. There are reality dating shows sometime in the middle of the day or late into the night. We feed on the drama, cat fights, emotional breakdowns and senseless confrontations in Love Shack and Change of Heart. An episode of For Love or Money is backstabbing at its finest. And if you don’t have enough time to get a hold of the day’s tabloids, Insider or E! News Live gives us all the dirt on celebs who: a) suffer from an eating disorder, b) have been admitted to rehab or c) on to their nth divorce/marriage. Not everyone admits to watching these shows, as they can be extremely cheesy and for lack of better term, tacky. But this is precisely why we call them guilty pleasures.

This season, opera bouffe takes new form through arresting bold prints that are just as overwhelming as any outburst or emotional breakdown. Florals – roses, orchids and just about anything in bloom – highlight tropical lovin’. Fun and frisky are what mind-blowing psychedelic and graphic prints are all about. African-inspired pieces take temperatures to an all-time high and evoke the adventurer in you. Fabrics are ultra-feminine in silks, chiffons and treated cotton stitched to cling beautifully on one’s body. They are cut in patterns that emphasize curves. Puffed sleeves, blousons, scarf dresses, and sleek necklines add character to your look. And since the eyes and lips are said to be the most expressive parts of the face, we get a few pointers from Maybelline’s Barbi on how to achieve irresistible, succulent lips and provocative eyes. A note of caution: decide on a feature (just one) that you want to highlight and concentrate on that.