There’s a risk to mini dresses, though, and it’s one that is generally only noticed when something goes horribly wrong.  I call it the “She Wore What?!?” syndrome, and it comes back every year.

You know what I’m talking about, right?  It happens when you’re walking down the street, meeting a friend for coffee, or in a million other situations where you spot someone in a mini dress and do a double take for all the wrong reasons.  The dress is too short, too tight, too odd looking, or just plain not right for the person wearing it.  And later on when you describe what you saw to a friend or acquaintance, her jaw drops and she blurts out the words “She wore what?!?” without a pause or a moment’s thought.  There’s that syndrome I’m talking about!

So this spring and summer season I encourage you to avoid being caught in this syndrome by making good decisions about your mini dress style.  If you’ve got it then flaunt it, but if you’re not quite there then choose a mini dress that emphasises your good points and draws the eye away from your not-so-good points.  Ask your most honest friend for an honest assessment, and don’t be afraid to try on lots of mini dresses until you find the one that’s right for you!

It’s amazing how the world still isn’t tired of the whole Angelina Jolie/Jennifer Aniston issue, even if it has been nearly four years (in showbiz, that’s already a few centuries). After all, Brad Pitt has already made his choice, and who are we to argue with him? Indeed, with Angie’s smoldering sex appeal, mysterious aura, and fabulously unique style, there’s really no question why.

Here are some of Angelina’s looks over the years that just prove that the former Mrs. Pitt never really stood a chance:

1. The Bad Girl

This is, without a doubt, the look that made Angelina Jolie famous. With roles as a computer hacker, a supermodel dying of AIDS, and a mental patient early in her career, it’s no surprise why. This look, however, goes beyond her film roles. In fact, she’s been sporting the punk/goth image since she was 14. Though she has since toned it down to a few tattoos, some almost see-through tops, and black push-up bras aplenty, this style is the true embodiment of the Angelina we all know, love, and – kinda – fear.

2. The Girl Who Kicks Ass

This is yet another style that can only be Angie’s, and one that she seems to be sporting of late with roles like Fox in Wanted, Lara Croft in two Tomb Raider movies, Mrs. Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and even an animated kung-fu fighting tigress in Kung-Fu Panda (though this may not necessarily count).

This is a look that’s often made up of skintight leather, tiny tank tops and even tinier t-shirts, and the requisite gun or two – in short, the stuff of every man’s dreams.

3. The Mother

Here’s one of the world’s biggest questions: how does a woman like Angelina Jolie, a self-proclaimed wild child, end up with six children? It’s a question we may never have the answers to, but hey, at least she makes a stylish mother.

Our favorite mother has been seen out and about with her brood in a rather eclectic array of ensembles from simple jeans and button-down combos, to sexy LBDs, to uber feminine maxi dresses. No wonder the kids and their dad adore her so much!

4. The Woman

With an Oscar nomination for Changeling, Angelina has proven that there’s more to her than the roles that she’s been typecast for. In this movie, we see Angie as someone vulnerable yet strong – the epitome of a true woman.

Angie has been seen in more than her fair share of cute, oh-so feminine frocks over the years. And whether she’s photographed in ‘em as a mother-to-be-yet-again or otherwise, there’s no denying she’s G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S.

5. The Goddess

Photo Credit: JustJared.com

More than anything else, Angelina Jolie is not so much as an actress, a model, or a mother. She is, in her entirety, a goddess who is nothing short of showbiz royalty. This is apparent in the surreal and almost ethereal frocks that she’s worn over the years - most recently, the black Elie Saab number that was all the rage during the Academy Awards.

Probably from the very first time she walked the Red Carpet, to her latest Oscars appearance, there’s only one thing that she has proven time and time again: Angelina Jolie does, indeed, own Tinseltown.

Sure, some people would argue that knowing for sure will ruin the whole fireworks and shivers routine, but really, if the alternative is spending hours upon hours on tenterhooks, waiting for that iPhone to ring. . .well, let’s just say we awesome ladies have better things to do, like figuring out new things to do with our maxi dresses this year.

And so it was with this idea that another cult classic was born. First came the book in 2005. Aptly titled, He’s Just Not That Into You, it was written by former Sex and the City writers, Liz Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt and has since become The Bible for single women all over the world. (Incidentally, the book was inspired by one of the series’ episodes, “Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little.” Berger, anyone?) Then, because you can’t have a book with a cult following without a movie, the film with the same title premiered a week ago.

In this Drew Barrymore production, we’re treated to the mundane but oh-so accurate relationship misadventures of nine beautiful people within the twenties/thirties age bracket. With a star-studded cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly, and Ben Affleck, it’s sure to be fairly well-received in the box office at the very least.

Both the book and the film share the same message: the truth shall set you free. Hopefully, after you’ve had your fill of the book or the movie (or both), you won’t have to wait for the phone call that will never come. Instead, you can just yell out ‘NEXT!’ How’s that for liberating?

So whether he’s into you or not, who cares? But we do know we are very much into these He’s Just Not That Into You red carpet looks:

1. Coy – Scarlett Johansson in a flowered Oscar de la Renta.

2. Powerful – Jennifer Aniston in a tux by Burberry with a Ferragamo clutch.

3. Savage – The usually very laid-back Jennifer Connelly in a green mini-dress and uber high heels, both by Balmain.

Thankfully, if there’s one thing about the Oscars that we can rely on to remain constant, it’s the chance to gawk at our favorite stars as they traipse and preen in their party finery on the Red Carpet. Here are some potential winners that we’ll be keeping an eye on come 22nd of February:

1. Brangelina.
Last year, the golden couple was nowhere to be seen at the Oscars. This year, however, a no-show is definitely out of the question, especially when both scored major nominations – a Best Actor for Brad Pitt in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and a Best Actress for Angelina Jolie in The Changeling.

So what can we expect from Angie this year, apart from a possible statuette? We’re thinking long, lacy, and luscious. We’re thinking something as sinewy as Angelina herself. We’re thinking something even better (if that’s possible) than the white satin Marc Bouwer she wore in the 2004 awards.

As for Brad . . . well, let’s just say he can show up to the Oscars bum-naked, and we definitely won’t mind. In fact, it’s preferable!

2. Kate Winslet.
So she didn’t get the Best Supporting Actress nomination for The Reader. Big deal. Her supporting actress nomination for Revolutionary Road just gives her an even stronger footing.

But whether she walks away with a statuette or not, we still love Kate Winslet. Even more so if she shows up in a worthy frock that’s specially designed for her very womanly physique, like the periwinkle gown she wore designed by Badgley Mischka for the 77th Oscars in 2005.

3. Anne Hathaway.
With so many old timers getting nominated at the Academy Awards year after year after year, it’s always refreshing to have an ‘Oscars newbie’ on the roster. This year, Anne Hathaway will make an appearance at the Kodak Theater as a possible contender to the Best Actress statuette for Rachel Getting Married.

As a presenter for last year’s ceremonies, we can’t possibly forget how the vivid red flowered Marchesa gown and Harry Winston diamond jewelry looked on Anne’s alabaster skin and slender skin. It goes without saying that we have high hopes for her this year - something simple but in a color that one can’t possibly ignore, perhaps?

We can get over The Dark Knight. We can even get over Leo. But we definitely can’t get over fashion disasters on the Red Carpet to the Oscars. Here’s hoping the stars won’t disappoint!

Dubbed the House of Monroe, the luxury collection will feature pieces inspired by some of the most unforgettable moments of Marilyn Monroe’s career. The collection will be designed by Victor Carranza, who crafted numerous frocks for the legend herself back in the days. The House of Monroe label is set to retail this year at upscale Bergdorf Goodman. A more contemporary line of designer jeans and tees is also being launched under the brand name, Norma Jeane, to be distributed by Atrium.

So what pieces can we possibly expect from the House of Monroe and Norma Jeane? It’s all still a bit hush-hush right now, but here’s what we’re all hoping for:

1. The Famous Seven Year Itch Dress

Who can forget this most iconic of dresses? Designed by William Travilla for the 1955 movie, we won’t be able to resist standing on subway vents in this white full-skirted halter frock.

2. Casual Marilyn

We love this incredibly refreshing and very casual look. Here we can see a very young Marilyn in a simple, striped t-shirt, high-waisted white shorts with suspenders, and peep-toe wedges. What can we say? Winner!

3. Simple Marilyn

Before we even knew of the classic button-down shirt dress, Marilyn was already traipsing around in it. Here she wears it plain and belted – just the way we all want it.

4. Another White Dress

This is a classic Marilyn Monroe look: a simple sleeveless white dress hugging her perfect hour-glass figure worn with kid gloves, stilettos, and a plain, black clutch. And to think this was back in 1956!

5. The Perfect Ensemble When Taking It Easy

Here’s a rare look that we only see on Marilyn Monroe’s old stills, but an elegant one, nonetheless. A simple turtleneck sweater and well-fitted Capri pants is absolutely perfect for those relaxing moments.

Yes, we can never get enough of celebrity fashion. The House of Monroe just sealed the deal.

The Flirtatious

Okay, so maybe the whole victim-of-husband’s-infidelity routine is getting a bit old and maybe it’s a tad too tacky to make bad jokes about the kids, but hey, we can’t ignore the beyond fabulous LBD Jennifer Aniston wore at the December premiere of Marley & Me. Designed by Valentino, the dresses teases and flirts, and with accessories like a bright red clutch and boyfriend John Mayer, we can’t deny that Jen has never looked so fabulous.

The Vintage

Betty might be ugly, but the same thing can’t be said about America Ferrera when the petite Latina is always a joy to watch on the red carpet. The 2008 Emmy Awards saw her in a vintage Dan Werle of Beverly Hills creation – calf-length, strapless, frilly, and very black. Competing the look are pointed lace pumps, an antique diamond necklace, and the oh-so winning America Ferrera smile.

The Classic

The humble shirt dress is a classic, but truth be told, we won’t always look at it twice – that is, unless it’s worn by someone like Angelina Jolie. Spotted in a simple, black (of course) Ralph Lauren number in a recent Kung Fu Panda DVD launch in California, Angie left many jaws agape and even more eyes a’bulging. The hoopla, though, was admittedly focused less on the dress, but more on what it exposes – not her oft-ogled and usually scarily thin arms, but her very rarely seen legs. Trust Angie to steal the show – even from a panda.

The Girly

The LBD is always meant to conjure images of power, confidence, and ferocity, so who would’ve thought that it could actually look . . . sweet. Well, on Taylor Swift, it does! Recently spotted in an age-appropriate, strapless LBD at an MTV TRL taping, let’s just say it’s hard not to imagine (creepy) ex-boyfriend Jo Jonas banging his head on a wall!

There are few things that can be counted on to stay year after year after year: Americans in Iraq, and yes, the little black dress.

Well, before you even rest easy, thinking that you’ve got the coming holidays all figured out, think again. Dresses, after all, aren’t the be all and end all in fashion. In fact, the frock is just the start! And because Christmas is all about making lists, we at Goddiva bring you the uber fabulous top ten list of the must-have accessories this party season!

10. The Scent.

Nobody sees it, yes. But everybody smells it! This, in itself, makes it a lot more important. After all, you don’t want to show up in an uber fab party looking like a million quid and smelling like a drain. So whether you go for the all-season Quand Vient La Pluie by Guerlain, or the cold day favorite, Jitterbug by Opus Oils, you’ll definitely smell like Christmas!

9. The Gloves.

One must pull on gloves for one’s fingers to remain in place. Well, before you grab your trusty ski gloves, do take the time to assess if it’s good for your ensemble. After all, what good is a killer dress when you’re hands look like they’re covered in a dirty dish cloth? Yes, this season, fashionable gloves are everywhere, so don’t get left behind!

8. Tinsel.

No, this isn’t necessarily the Christmas tree variety (although that does make for an imaginative look!). Christmas is all about glitter and sparkle, and you can achieve this with just about any shimmering material that you can get your hands on, from lamé to lurex, sequins to crystals. Turn up the glitz, but don’t overdo it!

7. The Hat.

If you want to spread Yuletide cheer, or just to be uber festive, the Santa hat is a staple. If you want to be fashionable, go for this season’s hottest hats. From the shaggy to the masculine, it’ll be hats off to you for pulling this off!

6. The Scarf.

Nobody ventures out in the open without a scarf in these cold, cold winter months. Scarves, however, are more than just to keep you warm. Make the season’s must-have accessory look good by mixing and matching and by simply being imaginative!

5. The Tights.

This year, draw attention to your legs, not by being bare, but by covering up! Today’s tights are fun, chic, and simply irresistible! Dare to go colorful, or be downright bold with prints.

4. The Coat.

Believe it or not, it’s not the dress that makes the first impression - it’s the coat! That’s only logical, considering that it’s what you wear over the dress. Unless you’re planning on defying the elements, you will, of course, need one. Don’t grab the same old ratty one that you’ve had hanging in your coat closet for the past 2 decades or so. Instead, invest in one - or two! - that complement your couture.

3. The Bag.

Get into the Christmas spirit with stunning metallic handbags in dazzling silver. You will razzle and dazzle, but hopefully not be frazzled!

2. The Jewelry.

With all your shining, shimmering splendidness, go for black jewelry this season for a combination so perfect that it’s almost otherworldly. The best thing about it is black goes with just about any outfit imaginable. Safe and stunning - what more can you ask for?

1. The Boots.

The Uggs still come out on top. Practical yet sassy, functional yet stylish - these boots are not only made for walking, but also for dancing the night away!

Indeed, you might be dressed like Gwyneth Paltrow, but that counts for nothing without the right accessories for the party season. Aren’t you glad we’re bringing it all to you?

1. Fabric

Fabric is urban and very, very trendy. It has Europe’s first ever ‘bodysonic’ dance floor. With the bass coming through the floor making your feet vibrate, you don’t just hear the music, you feel it - literally. It’s not just the floor that Fabric is famous for, though. It’s the crowd, the vibe, its three bars, five sound systems, and a whopping 25,000 square feet of space!

2. Ministry of Sound London

Each weekend, roughly 5,000 people troop to this club to party. Thanks to its three bars, three dance floors, and DJs so good they have become local legends of the party-going scene, the Ministry is truly a good place to while Friday nights away.

3. seOne

seOne has the distinction of being the largest among all of London’s nightclubs. Imagine this - five rooms, a dance floor that’s 30,000 square feet big, and the capacity to house 3,000 people at once. seOne opened in 2002 and is best known for its techno, rave, bass, indie, and drum music.

4. EGG

The name is catchy and the club is even more so. It spans three floors and can accommodate a crowd of 800 at any given time. Its courtyard garden comes with a swimming pool, artificial grass, garden furniture, and a bar. If you’re thinking the garden is for the flower-loving, though, you’re in for a surprise. The garden, which is London clubland’s largest open space, is a favorite of smokers. And since EGG opens as early as 5am on Sundays, it also offers a breakfast that is highly popular among patrons and first-time clubbers alike.

5. Pacha

Reopened in 2001 after a 2-million pound renovation, Pacha is one posh club indeed. It boasts of oak paneling, stained glass ceiling, chandeliers, and a spacious balcony with a view of the main dance floor.

6. KOKO

Camden may be overflowing with nightclubs but Club KOKO stands heads and shoulders above the rest. It can accommodate 1,500 clubbers on any given night and features fantastic arrays of live acts and headline performances of famous artists, among them Madonna, Prince, and Coldplay.

7. Heaven

This club is the best known of London’s gay clubs. Even so, it draws an eclectic crowd. Gay, straight, bisexual - you name it, Heaven has it. Located near Trafalgar Square, Heaven is best known for its choice of European dance beats and first-rate DJs.

8. Herbal

A warehouse turned into a nightclub, Herbal is one of Shoreditch clubland’s finest. Despite its industrial look (thanks to exposed brickwork), cold and outmoded are two things Herbal is not. It has an impressive sound system and an even more impressive line-up of DJs, among them Goldie, Groove Amanda, Fabio, and Andy Weatherall.

9. Club Aquarium

A swimming pool, five rooms, and a jacuzzi where towels are also provided - Club Aquarium is as innovative as it is cutting-edge. It also has a chill-out room, a VIP lounge, and two dance floors! Who wouldn’t want to go clubbing in a place that goes the extra mile to please its patrons?

10. Rhythm Factory

Rhythm Factory is London clubland’s chameleon. It’s a meeting place on weekdays and a wild watering hole on weekends. The atmosphere is laid-back and the music is eclectic. Rhythm Factory is most packed during weekends when it stays open until five in the morning. Great music, great ambience, great cocktails - this factory has it all. And oh, it doesn’t hurt that Pete Doherty plays there regularly.

If there’s one thing you will never run out of in London, it’s nightclubs. There is a club for everybody and every body so go ahead and be choosy. After all, why go to a club where you will be surrounded by glow sticks, fluorescent candy ravers, and bland cocktails when you can easily make a beeline for London clubland’s best and trendiest. When you go to any of the top 10 clubs, your fun meter is sure to hit 180 beats a minute.

Here are our top picks of designer fragrances for 2008.

1. Red Door Revealed Eau de Parfum Touch-On Pen by Elizabeth Arden

Mackay orchids, orange flower petals, lilies, and pink peonies - these are what people will think of once they smell this scent on you. Get the handy touch-pen for on-to-go usage and quick application.

2. Curious by Britney Spears

This scent is a delightful mix of Anjou pears, star jasmines, vanilla, sandalwood, and Louisiana magnolias. Pair it with your cotton day dress and look as cute as the newly reinvented Brit. Who cares that she copied her perfume pitch from Marc Jacobs? The frock will take you from desk to daiquiri. The fruity fragrance, on the other hand, is guaranteed to make everyone curious - about you!

3. Blush by Marc Jacobs

What do you get when you blend pink musk, Jasmine nectar, and sweet orange flowers? A fragrance so tantalizing you’ll be blushing non-stop from all the compliments you’ll surely be getting.

Of course, there are other gorgeous scents that you should try. But whatever you do, don’t go overboard with your perfume. Brush up on perfume tips. At one workplace, a woman wore too much Red Door so her boss showed her the door. In contrast, the same perfume actually saved a woman’s life. A woman in Corpus Christi made her captor flee by spraying him with Red Door. Doesn’t it just amaze you how versatile perfumes are?

The Boho

The boho print is back, barely two years after it left, and it’s a lot posher than ever! Gone are the staple accessories that used to go with the boho style - mousy hair, tacky jeweled flip-flops, and bad teeth. This time around, the boho is better paired with fabulous boots and sexy heels and tights aplenty. It’s an irresistible reinvention of a classic print that’s sure to make comebacks over and over and over.

The Folklore

Believe it or not, the hippy seventies are back yet again for, like, the nth time. This time, designers are looking at folksy, traditional prints from the French Renaissance to Tsarist Russia. It’s a delicious lesson in tradition and high fashion, and it’ll be oh-so tempting to dance a-la Troika!

The Grunge

Move over, Avril Lavigne and all ye with heavily lined eyes and bad attitudes. The grunge look is back with a vengeance - posher, more feminine, and all in all uber stylish. Who would’ve thought that paisley and stripes could actually make something nice? The trick is to look destitute, but stylishly so - that shouldn’t be too hard with the anorexic economy!

Yes, prints in chiffon dresses, body-hugging tops, and skintight, umm, tights are the height of fashion this time around. Fab, fab, fab!