If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at a fashion magazine, here’s your chance to sneak a peek: A new documentary called The September Issue follows the most talented, influential staffers of Vogue magazine as they work on the September 2007 issue, their thickest to date. All the while, the camera catches glimpses of their scared, skinny 20-something underlings bobbing and weaving to get out of the way.

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As part of my preparations for the July Lifestyle feature on curly hair, I got to interview one of my heroes: Lorraine Massey, a legendary curly girl, hairstylist, entrepreneur, author, and even a socio-political agitator of sorts. I first learned of Massey circa 2002—that’s when one of my gal pals passed along her then-new book, Curly Girl. Part manifesto, part beauty manual, it was the first time I’d encountered someone who felt as isolated as I did about my unruly locks. It also marked the end of my daily shampoos, as well as a new era for curl self-acceptance.

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A literary masterwork this is not, but simply a snippet from the conversation two adult women recently had about beauty products. Becky Sturm from StormSister Spatique just introduced me to a fabulous, new sweet-smelling styling product made especially for frizzy-headed folks like me (see below). Once I was done expressing my gratitude, I decided to bat a few questions with Becky. Here goes:

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I first came to know the name Manuel Canovas in the field of decoration—the company is the creator of some of the world's most beautiful home textiles and wall coverings. The Parisian-based company has long ranked among the best in both categories, so when I heard a while back that it was launching a home fragrance and candle collection, I knew that it would have to be in keeping with its haute design principles. Last week, while I was trolling through the Galleria, uninspired and just a wee bit upset, I stopped into Ampersand, knowing that just looking at the luxe beauty products would lift my spirit.

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Courtesy of the glorious interwebs: You can sneak various peeks at the Alexander McQueen for Target ad campaign, which stars not a waify model but a ravishing array of vintage Blythe dolls. Needless to say, the Blythe cult is all abuzz. At least one NYC fashion blog is already chattering about the campaign.

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Just before the inauguration, I gathered a few ladies to slip out of the office and go see what mayhem was being wrought by this bizarre cosmetic industry class-action lawsuit. I’m told there were three people in line at 10 a.m., when Neiman Marcus opened. But by the time the MSP ladies arrived, at 10:10, the scene was swarming will fellow freeloaders.

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So, I am pretty sure that given the right resources, I could single-handedly jump-start the economy. Even without any resources (i.e. cold, hard cash), I still manage to give our local retail sector nourishing injections nearly ever week.

But it hasn't been clothing that I've been buying. I've instead amassed a large amount of eyeliners, lip-glosses, dry shampoos, and other items of beauty that I definitely don't need. But I am as brain washed as the next fool, and somewhere inside of me, I must believe in the transformative properties of these potions. Don't they say that lipstick sales go up during a recession?

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I caught up with prestigious makeup artist Napoleon Perdis (whose clients include Debra Messing, Hilary Duff, and Evangeline Lily, to name a few) while he was in town recently meeting with Target reps. The Australian-born beauty buff just launched NP Set, an affordable line of cosmetics for the girl on the go, available only at Target stores.

Perdis met me in the Chambers Hotel lobby sporting all black (including black sunglasses), just enough bling, perfectly manicured brows, and a Hollywood-esque tan. He's a bubbly guy, and his passion for his products was contagious. Before I knew it, I was sitting on one of the chic Chambers sofas letting Perdis test products on my eyelids, lips, and cheeks. We were both ooo-ing and ahh-ing over the effects they had on my face.

My favorite? The Show Loose Dust Duo, a pair of vivid eye shadows applied with a cool powder pen (show upper left, $26). So easy and quick!

Read my Q & A, and check out some of the other products I loved . . .

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I know that I have said it before, but Wayzata's beauty and apothecary mecca, Cherie Boutique, is one of my happy places. I love it not only because of the beauty and quality of the products but because whenever I stop in, I get a crash course on the newest and latest in beauty and apothecary. I circle around the store (usually a couple of times) with the owner, Diane, inquiring about top notes and base notes of perfume and the burn time and inspiration behind a new line of candles. I ask her about the coverage on a concealer, the lightness of a moisturizer, the effectiveness of facemask. I touch and smell nearly everything, and if I had unlimited credit, I would leave there a couple thousand lighter.

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I think few would disagree that beauty is placed on a pedestal in our society. Flawless figures, youthful skin, and unattainable clothing pervade our everyday lives--in magazines, on TV, and in stores. Most of us know (to some degree) that we'll never look like the airbrushed models on magazine covers or the waif-thin cat walkers on the runway. Yet, that doesn't necessarily stop us from trying, and it certainly doesn't prevent us from judging the way we look in comparison.

Filmmaker Darryl Roberts probes the question: "Does America  have an unhealthy obsession with beauty?" in his moving documentary America the Beautiful. The critically acclaimed, 105-minute film plays for two days only in Minneapolis--tonight and tomorrow night at Lagoon Cinema.

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