Smells Like a Stale Trend

I guess if I were a celeb I'd do the same. They know as well as we do that their career span is short, so they want to turn a buck wherever possible while still in the limelight. But why, oh why, must every actress, singer, or model have her very own fragrance? Paris Hilton, Britney Spears…somehow the hints of failure and humiliation overrule the subtle notes of blackberry and vanilla, do they not? 

Even when it comes to more admirable stars such as the inimitable Beyonce or J.Lo, I have to wonder why smelling like them should be so appealing. To make matters worse, rumors abound that Madonna might throw her own scent into the ring.

Look, I'm all for celebrity endorsements. Jessica Simpson has great hair, so her partnership with grooming guru Ken Paves to create a line of extensions makes perfect sense. And I think plenty of the celebrity clothing lines, such as Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. and SJP's Bitten, not only look great but also offer an accurate reflection of the star's own style and values (particularly Bitten's low price point).

So, at least for now, we'll skip smelling like our favorite stars and try dressing like them instead. Madonna, take note: keep designing, keep dancing, but leave the perfume business to the pros.