First American Cash Advance is asking for coat, scarf, hat and glove donations for its coat drive that continues until Nov. 25.

“We’re proud to help our community to support local people in need,” said Drew Haney, chief operating officer. “And it’s an easy way to give something back, by simply going through our closets and pulling out those old coats we just don’t wear anymore.”

You can drop off coats, hats, gloves and scarves at First American Cash Advance, 105 N Eastern, Suite 4, Moore.  To find other locations, go online to  www.LifeDoesHappen.com or call (888) 300-CASH.

All winter wear donations will be given to and distributed by the United Way.

Who better to ask for beauty suggestions than Paul Begoun, beauty expert, author and founder of paulaschoice.com.  She travels ore than 100,000 miles every year from Australia to Mexico and throughout the U.S.

She’s often asked how she takes care of her skin during a flight? Here are her top 5 tips:

1. It is indeed drier at 35,000 feet, but if you don’t have dry skin it doesn’t really doesn’t matter. If you have dry skin and are taking a long flight, you may need to reapply moisturizer or a really good toner (loaded with state-of-the-art ingredients, not just water).

2. Because of airport security, she always has samples of products with her. Not every company offers sample, but Paula’s Choice has samples of all its products for you to try and pack in your carry-on.

3. For flights more than six hours, Paula travels without makeup. Just before she lands, she washes up in the bathroom, follows her skin care routine and then applies her makeup.

4. For shorter flights, she wears makeup but no powder. She applies powder just before she lands, when she is touching up her makeup. She prefers not tohave anything drying on her face during the flight.

5. A higher altitude in the outdoors does require a higher SPF, but in an airplane not much UV light is getting through those tiny windows. What you normally wear for sun protection, meaning an SPF 15 or higher, will do just fine.

From Sept. 28 through Nov. 1, the two Beauty Brands locations donated 100 percent of sales from their Redken Guts volume-boosting spray foam to YWCA Oklahoma City.  Customers also were invited to add a donation to directly support the shelter.  Redken, a global leader in professional hair care products, is Beauty Brands’ partner in the “It Takes Guts” campaign, and donated 100 percent of the Guts product that was sold. 

 The fundraiser was part of Beauty Brands’ ninth annual nationwide END ABUSE program to support victims of domestic violence.  Since its inception in 2001, Beauty Brands has raised more than $560,000 for local domestic violence shelters.  

Beauty Brands Salon·Spa·Superstores are at 9714 N Council and 13820 N Pennsylvania Ave.

Lillian Collins

L’Oreal Paris has named a Clinton woman one of its 10 “Women of Worth” for her work with the Eastwide Academy, an after-school program in Clinton.

Lillian Collins, 50, earned the recognition for her “unwavering commitment to her community and her extraordinary volunteer achievements,” according to information from L’Oreal Paris.  She will be honored Dec. 9 in New York, where she’ll receive a $5,000 donation for her charitable cause.

People can vote online at www.womenofworth.com to nominate one honoree to receive an additional $25,000 donation for her organization. Voting ends Nov. 24.

Anyway, I’ve been a fan of Spanx for years. I’ve looked at other brands, but really haven’t been tempted to shimmy into them. Now comes one that I may try.

It’s the Unbelievabra by Shapeez. It’s a bra and body slimmer all in one. Now, I  know that other shapewear companies have similar products. They probably all tout the same results as Shapeez — eliminates all visiblebra lines, back bulges, muffin top while providing breast support and slimming of the tummy, waist and back.

Like Spanx, it seems high profile women are finding their way into the Unbelievabra, too, including makeup artist Bobbi Brown. The Unbelievabra is made from breathable cool-tex microfiber that wicks moisture from the body to keep wearers dry and comfortable. It also has molded foam cups and adjustable straps with no back bands or closures to make the garment practically invisible under clothing. The company said the hem doesn’t roll up either.

The shaper is available in two styles — a high-length style called the Ultimate for $85 and for those women not in need of torso control, a cropped length style that also doubles as a sports bra called the Shortee, retailing for $75. Each style is available in nude or black and comes in 25 sizes ranging from cup sizes A through E.

Staci Berner founded Shapeez and created the Unbelievabra after taking time off from her cosmetologist career to be a stay-at-home mom.

“I was searching for a bra that could provide great support and shaping for my breasts, while smoothing and slimming my back all in one. I looked everywhere and bought dozens of bras and shapewear products claiming breast support and elimination of the dreaded back fat, but none provided all the features I needed,” she said. “So I took matters into my own hands and created my first prototype.”

When she showed friends, the repsonse was always — Wow, the difference is unbelievable —  thus the name.

Plans include more tops with different neck and back options, minimizer and demi push-up bras, and even an Unbelievabra swim line.

There are no stores in Oklahoma that carry the Unbelievabra, according to shapeez.com, but you can order one from the Web site.

If you’ve tried this product, let me know. Share your comments.

Who saw it? Buy any pieces? Let us know what you liked.

The American Glamour Badgley Mischka Collection debuted with a special two-hour live prime-time show featuring Mark Badgley and James Mischka. Many of the pieces sold out in minutes.  The American Glamour crystal bracelet watch, pictured at right, sold out in two minutes, as did the American Glamour snakeskin dome satchel.

The collection includes apparel, accessories and jewelry and retails from $39 to $499.

Check it out online at hsn.com.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The number of actors, actresses, singers and celebrities who DON’T  have their name connected to a fashion or jewelry collection or a fragrance is getting smaller.

The latest to join the crowded design arena: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who are creating a high-end jewelry line with Asprey called “The Protector.”  The pieces consist of diamond, black diamond and emerald pavé rings, bracelets, earrings, men’s cuff links and dress studs — in the shape of snakes.

Snakes?   According to Women’s Wear Daily, Jolie was given a snake ring designed by a different jeweler while pregnant with Shiloh, now 3, and considers them to be the “protector of her family.”

The pieces aren’t cheap. Plan to fork over $525 for a silver baby spoon with a curved, snake-shaped handle. The pieces are available at all Asprey stores.

The couple aren’t planning to get rich — er, richer — from the sale of the jewelry. All of the proceeds go to the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which Jolie co-founded in 2006. The charity raises awareness and money to help educate child victims of war, conflict and natural disasters.

The Avenue and Miss Oklahoma Plus America Pageant will presents a winter fashion show and free audition for the 2010 competition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21, with the fashion show at 1 p.m. at The Avenue, Bellie Isle, 1710 Belle Isle Blvd.

Auditions will be for Teen ages 14-17, Miss ages 18 to 29, Ms. ages 30 and older and Mrs. ages 20 and older. The event will be hosted by Joyce Lewis, Ms. Oklahoma Plus America Lifetime.

Appointments are not necessary.

Sharon Stone and Elton John