All of that fake smile detecting from the Crazy or at Work post a couple of weeks ago got us thinking about how much of what surrounds us everyday is fake. We scored pretty poorly on our spot the fake smile test and we’re blaming our performance on pop culture. What you say, biting the very hand that feeds us? Well, not the entire body of pop culture, just the photoshopped celebrities and soft focus close-ups.

Here is a clip from the recipient of our coveted award for Most Soft Focusiest Scenes in a Movie: Something’s Gotta Give- Starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Diane Keaton also happens to be our favorite comedic actress. When you watch this scene, keep in mind that the actors are in their 60s. Look at DK’s neck? It’s perfection. And you know she is all about the turtle necks off screen. What gives with the excessive soft focus? There is nothing wrong with looking her age, she is fabulous!

It’s no wonder we can’t tell the difference between a real smile and a fake smile when we’re surrounded by what are essentially fake representations of happiness and beauty every where we turn. In magazines, billboards, Television and film, altered images are inescapable. And so much of what we’re seeing sets up unrealistic expectations for ourselves and for others.

The always fascinating Dove Evolution of Beauty spot- What it takes to get there. If there’s a there there.

The even more interesting Making Of Dove Evolution of Beauty video. See what motivated the film makers and advertisers and learn about the technology is behind the piece.

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Celebrities Without Makeup-Before and Afters- You will feel so smokin’ hot after watching this. Keep in mind a couple of the images aren’t the best examples. Using a photo of Melanie Griffin from Working Girl paired with a current day no makeup Melanie Griffin photo is not really a fair comparison but the video is still fascinating.

So we’re surrounded by all of these images of conventional physical beauty and depending on your levels of self-esteem and superficialness you may or may not be affected by them. But what if, despite your healthy state of mental well-being, you are affected. And what if you’re cruising through life making unconscious judgments about yourself and others based solely on levels of conventional physical beauty? Ew. There is plenty

of research out there suggesting that humans do treat attractive people better than unattractive people. Are you kinder to yourself on days when you feel better about your appearance? Does a bad hair send you into the self-loathing marinade? We hope not. Repeat this phrase: I am beautiful. It’s true.

Ok, enough of that. Get back to work. Or, try this:

All of this Paris Hilton crap news has us longing for something more wholesome.

And Here it is: Nancy Drew to the rescue! Nancy Drew is coming June 15th, and we can’t wait to see it! A Clueless and Scooby-Do Mashup starring Emma Roberts (Daughter of Eric, niece of Julia) as Nancy Drew. It looks really cute and Emma Roberts is really talented and she’s perfect for this role. We are are totally planning on wearing our most responsible looking ensemble with some penny loafers of course.
Trailer:

Visit Nancy Drew Sleuth to check out all of the old books and the history of Nancy Drew. It will make you feel like you are 11 all over again.

We totally want these Nancy Drew themed accessories from Nancy Drew Girl Detective (great name!!!)

Now let’s see the Hardy Boys on screen. Cuteness!

Golden Lasso of Truth. Check. Keys to invisible jet. Check. Lancome lipstick in Super Hero Red. Check. Cocktail napkin with phone number of Aquaman’s hotter, younger brother written in Super Hero Red lipstick. Check.

Yes that’s correct, you just read the check list of items you might find in Wonder Woman’s purse. Her invisible purse. To go with her invisible jet. And now, you too can have a purse that is pointless invisible. And it’s made out of plastic. And it costs $895.

The $895 Oscar de la Renta Plastic Bag

We can’t make this stuff up. Here is an ad for another style of the invisible (although some would call it transparent) purse.

And in case you can’t imagine in your not invisible brain what your stuff would look like if it were say…in an invisible bag just hanging out for all the world to see…here is a more-sophisticated-than-a-stick-figure drawing of stuff hanging out for all the world to see.

Hey look, Wonder Woman is totally checking something out from high above in her invisible jet. What could it be?

Could it be Aquaman’s younger, hotter brother’s invisible canoe parked on the shore below…Tune in next week when Wonder Woman totally hooks up with Hollow Man.

You heard it here first. Toting pets as accesories has officially gone too far.

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Layercake.net presents the Fall 2005 Pets as Handbags Collection. We’ve taken steps to protect the identity of our model as we believe the shame of being toted around like a living Hello Kitty backback for the photoshoot has already caused tremendous damage to our fluffy friend’s fragile psyche.

And in case you think those totes don’t meet the definition of shark jumpage; here’s more proof that we have reached the end of Sanity Street when it comes to our precious pooches:

Puppy Stroller

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Puppy Breakfast Cereal

What’s your puppy’s name?

Just how far will this Fall’s large purse trend go?

Ridiculously Large Purse- Non Celebrity sighting:

Ridiculously Large Purse Celebrity sighting:

Nordstrom Handbag Fit Tip:

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This bag holds a wallet, water bottle, make-up bag, one Toyota Prius and 2 fully clothed Hilary Duffs.