The French Gave Us Cellulite. A French Company, Vichy, Treats the Problem.

That ripply, orange peel'y skin that shows up on many a thigh, derriere, arm, knee and is virtually impossible to get rid of - even in the face of painful and costly treatments such as endermologie. Whether you're tall and thin, or short and round, medical studies show that between 90-95% of women are afflicted with it. "As of today, realistically there is no cure for cellulite," confirms Dr. Soren White, the respected New York Derm I turn to for what's hype and what works.

Cellulite originates within the skin, in the millions of cells designed to store fats. Adipocytes can swell up to 60 times their initial size, deforming the network of vertical fibers that connect the skin to the lower layers of fat. The deformed fibrous network traps the fat, forming stubborn fatty deposits that are difficult to break down; deep down, the tissues are infiltrated, sometimes even causing discomfort, and the resulting compression impedes circulation & makes it sluggish. This is when cellulite begins to take hold, dimpling and mottling the surface of the skin. 

In my own case, when I eat right, hydrate, exercise 6 days a week and have no stress in my life, I noticed an improvement in the appearance of cellulite - but who can sustain such a regime over the long haul? After testing numerous products and enduring a few painful endomologie sessions myself, I discovered the best results using a $38 product from VICHY LABORATOIRES: Lipometric Contour Refining Intensive Care.

5'10", Size 4....and Fat?!

Weighing in at about 2 sizes larger than her modeling peers, blonde mannequin du jour Lara Stone is, according to industry standards, hefty. “People still tell me I’m fat, but when I look in the mirror, that’s not what I see," she tells Vogue.com in the January 2010 issue (on newsstands December 22). Not that her curves have come in the way of a skyrocketing career.  She has walked in almost every major show, including Marc Jacobs and Balmain, and landed lucrative ad campaigns for the likes of Givenchy. “Lara Stone has a gorgeous women’s body,” affirms fan Karl Lagerfeld.

While the bulk (so to speak) of women would kill for Stone's fabulous proportions, it's all relative if the competition is a landscape of zeros.

The 12 Days of Giftmas: Day 5 - Five Golden Rings (Video Fashion Vlog)

On the:
FIRST DAY OF GIFTMAS, my True Love gave to me: a Partridge (at least jewelry by a designer named Partridge) in a Jewelry Tree
SECOND DAY of Giftmas: two Turtle Doves of Love
THIRD DAY: three Delicious French Hens
FOURTH DAY:  four Artistic Calling Birds

Today's episode of DAILY DOSE OF STYLE covers the 5th Day of Giftmas, where my True Love wooed me with a stack of Five Golden Rings.  Yes, please! We found ones that were both affordable and lovely with a nature-inspired motif, and should price be no object, a gemstone- & quartz-bedecked finger full of sugar. (For more info on the goodies featured in this episode - CLICK HERE.)

- Lesley Scott

Beautiful Things in Small Packages: Baubles & Bottles

We found tiny flacons that are worn to adorn your neck. DIRECTIONS for Scenta-a baby: please handle with care when placing under the tree!

VESPERTINA PENDANT WITH PERFUME Roxana Villa’s intoxicating orange blossom and floral Vespertina perfume is showcased in a small detailed antique oxidized brass frame and hangs on a cable chain. RoxanaVilla.com

Sue Devitt & Tracy Reese Present a Night of Fabulousness in NYC, Tonight (12/17)

WHO: You!

WHAT: A night of Fashion & Beauty

WHERE: Tracy Reese Boutique, 641 Hudson St., NYC

WHEN: Thursday, December 17th from 5-10pm

WHY: With any Sue Devitt purchase, enjoy a complimentary professional makeup application plus an exclusive gift; also, receive an exclusive 25% discount on all regularly-priced Tracy Reese merch.

- Lesley Scott

What to Rock with Your Rodarte for Target Cobweb Tights: Plaid!

Whether you splurged on a pair of right-off-the-runway $800+ Rodarte shredded cobweb tights, invested in a Punk Rock'ish lookalike (we LOVE these handmade ones from Goelle), attempted a DIY version, or are waiting for the super-affordable version for Target to come out - it's all about getting maximum mileage from such a fab accessory. Try pairing yours with striking black & white plaid accented with touches of lipstick red and steel grey. We recently scored this cool Fuse by Preen belted plaid dress from VERY.co.uk, a fun new resource across the Pond that has tons of on-trend pieces at a great price!

About this look:

Meet the Scentsational Kilian Hennessy at Bergdorf Goodman: Dec. 18, 2009

I first met the intriguing and intense Kilian Hennessy (yes that Hennessy, as in the "H" in LVMH) at the swanky Mandarin Hotel NYC for breakfast in April 2007, six months after he launched his line of seven beautiful fragrances, all centering around the theme of "Love and its prohibitions." Each bore a tag line such as "tempt me," "aphrodisiac," "typical me." Within 20 minutes, I predicted: "Kilian, no matter what anyone says, your perfumes will be world renowned with in 24 months".

I was right.

By Kilian is now rumored to be the second best selling line in France and - I predict - will be in the Top 10 in the USA within the year...if it isn't already.

Get Some Rock & Redemption from Michael Spirito

Michael Spirito's Exhibitionist line cleverly blends fine craftsmanship with balls-to-the-wall rocker cool and has the fans to prove it: Rihanna, Bon Jovi, and Gwen Stefani...& pretty much every fashion stylist and editor in NYC. His new deliciously dark and glamorous Rock & Redemption line which recently premiered at Sears (!) is now even more affordable: everything is half off until the New Year! Whether you're shopping for a teen fashionista, a guy who digs a rock/rebel style, or, perhaps, a fan of the current vamp-chic craze, the pieces all come with gorgeous branded packaging which makes for a wonderful gift (even if it's just you!). Available at Sears.com.

- Lesley Scott

The 12 Days of Giftmas: Day 4 - Artistic Birds Calling (Video Fashion Vlog)

On the:

First Day of Giftmas, my True Love gave to me: a Partridge (at least jewelry by a designer named Partridge) in a Jewelry Tree
Second Day of Giftmas: two Turtle Doves of Love
Third Day: three Delicious French Hens

Today, the Fourth Day of Giftmas at DAILY DOSE OF STYLE, my True Love commissioned for me: a painting of Four Calling Birds. Plus, for a less pricey gift, we also found a "Four Calling Birds" artsy decorative handmade tea towel. (For more info on any of the goodies featured in this episode - CLICK HERE.)

- Lesley Scott

Fashionable Links to Stuff We Like

College Candy get fashionably red for the holidays

Daily Dose of Style Vlog Holiday Gift Ideas: NYC Shopping Tour

Refinery29 try on the the below-the-knee hem trend

Modelinia go inside models' closets

The Cut yet another reason why US Vogue is lame

Elle blog rent a runway-ready party frock

Iconic & Indie Beauty Musts: What Every Woman Needs

After reviewing thousands of beauty, haircare and skincare products that complement complexions ranging from porcelain to the deepest brown, the oiliest skin to the dryest, and haircare for fine to coarse, Fashiontribes has curated the ultimate collection of beauty musts for your skin, hair, nails, body, and overall fabulousness.

Gifts for a Fashionista: Insanely Cute Fashion Mice

Standing at around 2.5 inches tall, these terribly trendy mice - Coco Chanel-O-Mouse, Karl Lagermouse, Anna Wintourmouse - are handcrafted from felt, silk, ribbon, beads, faux fur, wool, wire, and rubber foam. They even come with a "certificate of authenticity" and arrive in a tres chic gift box. Available at Tratutti.com.

- Lesley Scott

Rachel McAdams on the Cover of American Vogue

In the January issue of Vogue (on newsstands December 22), the somewhat reclusive actor opens up on the subject of working with Lindsanity (in Mean Girls), what it means being green, and being a previous soap opera fiend.

On Lindsay Lohan: "I just remember marveling about how much she knew as an actor, how much she understood. She did very few takes and had this naturalness to her."

On being green: "I don't really desire things, I prefer to spend my money on experiences, meals or travel...I look at the world through a green lens now. But you can't make yourself crazy. That feeling of green guilt can be really inhibiting. It's about a changing mindset."

On her early love of soaps: "I grew up watching so much television. I was really into soap operas. I'd begin with 'Days of Our Lives,' then 'Another World,' and finish off with 'General Hospital.' And before dinner, I'd watch Oprah...In high school, I really didn't pay attention. I took the bare minimum to get by."

The full interview with Rachel is at Vogue.com.

- Lesley Scott

A SCENTED SEASONAL STORY: Jo Malone Nutmeg & Ginger

In December of 2000, I noticed a tiny alcove of new fragrances on the main floor of Bergdorf Goodman (where the Stephen Dweck jewelry is now located). Struck by the creamy yellow boxes and simple labeling, I stopped to sample the line which consisted of approximately dozen fragrances, and ended up buying five of the originals: Amber & Lavender, the iconic Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pamplemousse, Verbenas de Provence, and Nutmeg & Ginger. But it is Jo Malone's Nutmeg and Ginger that I continue to wear today, especially during the holiday season as it brings back the memory of discovering this unique line and buying fragrant gifts for friends and family throughout the years.

The 12 Days of Giftmas: Day 3 - Delicious French Hens! (Video)

SUMMARY: On the first day of Giftmas, my True Love gave to me, a Partridge (at least jewelry by a designer named Partridge) in a Jewelry Tree. And on Day 2: two Turtle Doves of Love! Today, the third day of Giftmas on DAILY DOSE OF STYLE, my True Love charmed me with Three French Hens, cooked up Julia Child style, plus a glamorous Waterford crystal dinner bell with a French Hen motif to call everyone in for a delicious holiday dinner. Bon Appetit! (For more info on any of the goodies featured in today's episode - CLICK HERE.)

- Lesley Scott