For those who read Allure here's a thread to discuss it. If you are someone who mostly glances at the magazine you can still participate. Here are some of the acitivities you can do if you have an issue of Allure
(Note: all you do is post the page numbers of these items, not the actual item.)

~ Pictures of Nice or Pretty Hair ~ Long, Medium, or Short. These can be in articles or advertisements. Lets point out the nice hair pictures.

~ Good Articles ~ If you read a good article you can point it out for others to read.

~ Other Positive Features ~ Example, I had a magazine one time that had pictures of different ponytails and ponytail holders. Even though it was like an advertisement, they looked pretty.

~ Pretty Clothes ~ While I was looking through one of my new ones for pictures of nice hair I noticed that some of the dresses were very pretty so we could mention nice clothes too. Especially if you are looking at bridal mags and see nice dresses.

~ Name That Page Game ~ We could post a page number of something and then someone who has that same magazine can look it up, post here what it is, and if they are right they can then post a page number of their own.

I currently have these issues

Allure - US Edition
January - March 05
May - August 05

As well as many from before 2005.

Allure seems to be a bit behind the other magazines as to when they get to the stores.

So while I have September issues for some other magazines I'm still only finding the August issue in stores.

So Here's what the August cover says.

Special Issue - Amazing Hair (30 pages of sexy cuts & colors)
25 best styles of all time

Scarlett Johansson is on the cover.

The other headline is
How To - Destress in 5 minutes. Have beautiful bare feet. Get VIP service at a hotel and more.

I personally like the 101 how to cards that they have in Allure. They may not apply to me but I think they're a nice addition to the magazine. Plus when i had a subscription they sent me a booklet with nothing but them.

This month's issue has a 101 on close shaving.

I bought the September 05 Issue today.

It's a nice thick issue. Hoepfully it's not just extra ads. But hey if the ads help it to stay at $2.99 when other mags are up to $3.50 and $3.99 I won't mind too much.

Headlines:

Easy, Sexy, Hair - One tool endless possibilities
(Hopefully it's not an iron but we'll see.)

10 Hidden Diet Mistakes and how to fix them - fast

The Best Fall Makeup. Eyes, cheeks, lips.

How to maximize your beauty sleep.

Extreme skin care, Are pricey creams worth it?

Mariah Carey is on the cover and under her name it says, The good kind of crazy.

And a quick glance inside and the 101 for the month is - A grown up way to wear barettes.
It's a nice little 101. The model has nice hair and their showing some pretty barettes.

I did see a few nice long hair pics while flipping through.

I regularly read Allure, as it's one of my favorite available magazines. I buy it every month, and, just today, my best friend bought me a gift subscription for my birthday! So, now I'll definitely have it every month! :D

So, if anyone else would like to discuss anything, I'd be more than happy to jump in on this thread, as well. I'll make sure to post here if I want to ask/comment about anything, too. ^_^

Ok for those who have the September issue here's some fun stuff to do.

Picking your favorites.
When I say pick your favorites, I mean which one looks good to you. It doesn't have to be something you would buy.

~ Kohls Ad ~
In my issue there is a Kohls advertisement somewhere between the contents page and page 42. If you have this 2 page ad that says Fashion Forward at the bottom, then tell me which of the five outfits you like the best.
You can use 1-5 starting from the left of the first page going towards the right. Just like reading.

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~ Katie Holmes ~
On Pages 110 & 111 there are multiple pictures of Katie Holmes from red carpets and such. Pick your favorite outfit. They each have a date on them so you can say the date if you need to describe it.

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~ Fashion Extras ~
There's a section of pages titled Fashion Extras
On page 114 there are a bunch of different shoes. Pick the one you like best.
On page 116 there are necklaces. Pick the one you like best.

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~ Page 120 - Style 101 - Boot Camp ~
Do you like the outfit that the girl is wearing on page 120? Yes or No.

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~ Ready To Exhale ~
Pages 212 through 219 have a model wearing different dresses. Pick the one you like best.

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~ Clean And Sober ~
Pages 228 - 235 have another photo shoot with suits this time.
Pick your favorite.

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Picking your LEAST favorites.
Now if you want you can redo it and tell us the ones you didn't like the most.


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Good Hair
Look through the magazine and pick out the hair that you like. Let us know a few of them if you find some.

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Beauty 101
On page 100 is the Beauty 101 for the month. Do you like this month's 101? Is there advice in it you can use? Have you? Have you tried the products they mention? Anything you'd like to add or say about this article?

That's all for now. I think that's a good start for a first time :)

Picking your favorites.

~ Kohls Ad ~
This may come as a shock but I'm not picking the purple ones. I like #4 with the light blue shirt best. I think it goes nicely with her hair. The belt / tie off also matches her hair nicely. There's almost too much of the gold-ish accessories but I think they kept on the good side of the line.

My least favorite is the first one. The purple shirt is nice but it looks like pajamas sticking out of a suit.

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~ Katie Holmes ~
I like a lot of these but I think I will choose the first one, June 23 05. I like the color and I kinda like the tied bow on the front a little better than I liked the June 17th dress.

My least favorite is the April 11 05 dress. Maybe if it was a better picture without the foot in the way it might look better. But from what i can see it looks like something she had stuffed in a drawer or something.

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~ Fashion Extras ~
I'm going to pick the Gucci for my favorite.

My least favorite is the Bottega Veneta. I don't like the inside of the shoe. That bumpy pattern looks like it would cause blisters from rubbing on it.

For the necklaces I'm picking the Roxanne, bottom left as favorite. Kinda looks like hair elastics.

Least favorite is Miu Miu. I kinda like them all but this is the least.

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~ Page 120 - Style 101 - Boot Camp ~
I like her outfit. I think there's just enough color to not be too plain.

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~ Ready To Exhale ~
These are all kinda "out there" runway type dresses. I think the white one looks the most normal so I'll pick page 215.

219 is my least favorite. Maybe if she was wearing it less sloppy it would look better?

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~ Clean And Sober ~
I like 229 the most and 235 the least.

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Good Hair
I like the hair for the Merle Norman ad. I like those mini braids with the big waves. Page 175.

I like the chignon bun on 202-203 but I wish they would have given better instructions.

There are others but I'll let someone else mention some.

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Beauty 101
On page 100 is the Beauty 101 for the month. Do you like this month's 101? Is there advice in it you can use? Have you? Have you tried the products they mention? Anything you'd like to add or say about this article?

I am glad to see a hair tip for the 101. I'm glad they don't always focus on one area. Barettes is a nice simple thing to do. I do think they did a better job of explaining the bun in this article. `The model has very nice hair. I like the picture of it down. It does do a good job of showing how you can use an accessory even when you aren't trying to do some fancy do. I like the #3 barette the best under clips and combs. I haven't tried any of the products they list.

Overall I like this article. It's a pretty positive article. Even the drying instructions includes the option to air dry. It's nice to see something that doesn't only include "Blow dry" :)

Alright, I decided to get in on this one, because this setup seems like an interesting way to talk about things, and it sounded like it could be fun. Note: I just copied the format you already had it in, Robert, and just filled in my opinions…it seemed much easier and more organized that way! :P

Picking your favorites.

~ Kohls Ad ~
Out of these five outfits, I wouldn’t really wear any of them personally, but if I had to pick, I’d probably pick #4, because I like the shape of the outfit - the silhouette, if you will – and the flats are cute. I also agree with Robert that the blue shirt goes nicely with her lovely color of hair, as well as her eyes. That, or #3, because I really like the shoes, and the jeans and light purple camisole (underneath all the tops) look cute. I don’t really like much else about the outfit, though.

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~ Katie Holmes ~
A few of them have their own cute things about them, but if I were to pick a favorite above all others, it would probably be her white gown from May 14, 2005. I also think her simple, magenta dress from June 17, 2005 is quite cute in shape/cut. I really like the top detailing and straps on the June 23, 2005 dress, as well.

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~ Fashion Extras ~
Of the shoes featured on page 114, I’d say that my favorite pair are probably the Bottega Veneta leather pumps in the bottom left corner. The Gina Couture For Luella and Gucci ones look nice, too.

I’m not a huge chain fan, but of the necklaces on page 116, I’d probably pick the Erickson Beamon gold-and-wood necklace before the others. Though, I think the wooden charms could have been prettier.

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~ Page 120 - Style 101 - Boot Camp ~
Not really, no. The cardigan is kind of cute, though.

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~ Ready To Exhale ~
I definitely like the white, silk muslin dress on page 215 best. It’s lovely.

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~ Clean And Sober ~
I like the Wrap Skirt suit on page 234, but it would have to be without the fur collar, as I find those rather unattractive, especially when they are actually real fur. I also like the Frayed Tweed suit on page 233.

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Good Hair

Okay, I have decided I will just start at the beginning of the magazine and make a list here as I come across anything that strikes me as particularly pretty hair for some reason, so here it goes:

+ I like the girl’s hair in the photo that accompanies the “Can Dew” section in the top right corner of page 92.

+ I absolutely love the girls’ hair in the Pantene Expressions ad on pages 150-151…especially the redhead’s! :wub:

+ The short cut on the model on page 165 is incredibly flattering on her; the longer, wispy pieces around her face keep the shortness of the overall cut very feminine and lovely.

+ A few of the ladies on the Dove Shampoo/Conditioner ad on page 183 have some nice hair, but I think my favorites of the bunch are the girl with the longer, curled hair (third one down on the right side) and the lady with the crown braid directly across from her – probably for the fact that that braid has no frizz factor (very much unlike my own variation!) and that I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that in a big company’s ad before. The quirkily-controlled curls in the top left corner are kind of cute, as well…I love hair with personality.

+ The big, curled waves on page 200 came out nicely, but I really like the chignon on page 202. It’s such a simple, lovely and classic look. The whole photo is very appealing to me, actually…it all comes together quite well.

+ And, I think the updo on Selma Blair (top, middle) on the very last page (248) is lovely, as well.

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Beauty 101

I think this month’s Beauty 101 is a cute hairstyle, though I probably wouldn’t add the second barrette on the side if I were to try it myself. It would be a cute, simple style to wear, I think. And, no…I haven’t tried anything they mentioned.

I just wanted to say thanks for posting your choices Casey. :)
I haven't had a chance to go through the pages yet but I wanted to let you know I saw this and give thanks.

September 2005 issue with Mariah Carey on the cover:

I love:

*the loafer heels on pg 114- I'm looking to update my wardrobe and I think they're classy, sexy, and sophisticated. (I prefer something a with a lower heel- wouldn't want to break my neck when I'm trying to look cute :P.)

*the facial directory on pg 182- I'd like to invest in a facial steamer from Meijers for homemade facials. I want to keep my skin healthy & glowing, and clean out any impurities.

*the clothing & shoe styles on pgs 236-237- helpful for when I go on my hunt for a new interview suit ^_^. I want to feel comfortable & confident.

No problem at all, Robert! It was actually kind of fun, and it took the sting out of boredom! :P

Continuing discussion of the September 05 Issue

Casey, I agree with everything you said up to this part as far as your Favorites choices. I also wanted to comment on this hair picture because I agree with you and I hope the stylist wasn't taking much more off.
Also on page 162 it's a tease as to whether or not those scissors were going to cut that long chunk.

That dove ad is the one I pointed out a few weeks ago here and at the other sites. I think I moved that thread to the inspiration board yesterday. "Thumbsup to Dove"

I agree about the 200 & 202 pics. I wish they would have shown a behind view for the bun so we could at least try to see where the pins were. But it is a very nice and inspiring picture. Her makeup is done but not overdone. It's kinda matching her hair and brows. She just looks like a girl on vacation enjoying herself. Doesn't look posed. It kinda makes you wonder if maybe she's watching an animal or the ocean. On page 18 the contents page shows a nice mini version. You can see her without the crease going down her ear and neck.

I agree about Selma Blair

I agree about the second barette in the 101. I think if they wanted to add something they could have used a smaller jewelled bobby pin or something. Maybe a little flower accessory.


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Miya,

Did you mean the loafers up top or bottom or both?

Have you ever tried the trick where you put your face over a bowl of hot water and put a towel over you to keep the steam in?

Which of the suits do you think you'd try on first if they had them all and in your price range? Is there one that you would try on just to try but not buy?

I now have the February 2006 issue.

Does anyone else?

I got the March 2006 issue today.

I was supposed to get the January issue but they didn't send it so I'm waiting for them to return my email.

I never rea Allure before, while I got my hair colored last week, she gave me an Allure to read, and I must say I really liked it :tup:

That's cool Georgy. I think it's a good enough magazine that even if you don't buy it you can still browse it once in awhile like you did.

The other day after I emailed them about my missing issue I sent another email asking them to feature more long hair articles. I told them that the long hair market is untapped and that they would be surprised how many people don't even know how to do a basic braid or bun. Which is true. If no one ever teaches us it's hard to learn. I've seen my share of posts on boards asking how to do them.

Hey that's a great idea Robert!

I have sent several similar letters over the years. I don't know if any of them ever listened to them or read them though. I didn't have the magazines that I was emailing so if they did the article I don't know. Or they could have listened and just used one of their usual long hair articles with some messy runway bun with no real instructions.

I have the April and May 06 issues. Anyone else?

I now have the June 06 issue.

I think it's about time I looked through some of these and posted about them. I just checked and I don't see my letter that I wrote in March in any of the newer issues.

Hey...just reporting in to say that I am armed with issues of Allure should anyone ever feel like discussing them again in here! Haha. Though, it appears as though Robert and I might be the only ones who own any? At any rate, anyone just say the word. I actually like these kinds of threads, they're fun! ^_^

I'm still getting mine. I've got more than 12 months to go on the sub.

I haven't opened the recent ones yet though.

I have all recent issues up to February 2007. If anyone else would like to discuss something or point something out or ask me about something? Etc.

Actaully I've avoided saying this for a while but after some multiple dealings on Ebay I have all Allure issues that have been made since the start in March 1991 except for 5 issues.

I am only missing these from my collection.
December 1991
December 1995
February & October 1998
April 1999

And because of the many months of obsessing over getting so many magazines I haven't been as chatty about them. I've been a bit burnt out.

But if anyone would like to ask about any of those issues that I have let me know.

Allure - U.S. Edition

June 2007 Issue

Ok the cover says "The Perfect New Haircut - Simple, neat, and a breath of fresh air"
Let's see...........
Oh what a surprise. The perfect cut is a bob.

I agree that bobs are versatile and can be done many ways. But I don't agree with calling it "New". It's almost 100 years old.
However a bob is a great option for anyone who ever has an urge for something shorter but may want to grow out again and prefers a one length long look. Most bobs are near one length. However what surprises me is that they aren't talking about the inverted bobs with the short backs. Maybe those are now considered out of style or the magazine world hasn't noticed the trend?

The July issue of Allure came today.
Liv Tyler is on the cover but I'm having a hard time recognizing her.

On the cover they have a headline for "Humidity Proof Hair" and then when I turn to the article the headline is "Natural Resources - Give peace a chance by loving, not fighting, your hair's inherent texture."

I haven't read it yet but hopefully it's the decent article that it sounds like it could be.
Although next month they'll probably say fry it and tease it and load with gunk.

I now have the August issue of Allure, US edition.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is on the cover. She's been on the cover a few times before but I think I like this one the best.

The cover says "Get Sexy Hair" and tells about an at home blow out how to. I looked at the article and it looked like a decent one.

The 101 section this month is for ponytails. They give instructions for a ponytails where you take a small piece of hair and wrap it around the band. They also show how to curl it to get the curls on the ends of the tail. It involves a curling iron.

They have a multi page section of Hair Awards where they say which celebrity has the best of a certain kind of hair. For example they said Julianne Moore was the best red. Most of the celebs have longer hair. Audrey Tatou got Best Short. Then they have a page showing some of the vintage celebs like Audrey Hepburn and Farrah.

Then they have a couple page article saying short hair is in.

Then the next pages after that feature a model with longer hair doing a shoot to show off lipsticks. It's like a long hair sandwich with short hair filling.

The Allure for September came days ago but I'm just not in any hurry to take it out of the package. It has Britney Spears on the cover. Ever since I found out she was going to be on the cover I've been turned off by this issue. So unless someone has something they wish to discuss from this issue I'll probably leave it ignored at least until the next issue comes.