Top Fashion Magazines: The Preposterous & the Practical

Women today find themselves bamboozled with images and ideas of what is fashionable for the times. From TV shows such as "Project Runway" to shopping malls to picking up fashion tips from friends... Where is a girl to turn to get her current, reliable, yet realistic fashion fix? I choose to peruse my top five fashion magazine picks every month to get my dose of fashion. After reading these, I adapt what each magazine has to offer to fit my fashion taste.

Number 5: Vogue

For women walking the streets of New York, Vogue magazine would likely be #1 on the list instead of number five. For a sensible southern woman like myself, there are many fashions in Vogue I find to be outlandish. Don't get me wrong: Vogue is still in my top five. I enjoy and appreciate the styles that literally have walked off the runway and into the magazine, but when am I going to use these fashion snippets in my life? The 'Need it Now' monthly feature is absurd. Do I really need the $400 fragrance for Colette by La Labo and can't I live without the $36,000 Stephen and Russell emerald and diamond ring? A relevant plus, however, each month in the Vogue magazine are the feature stories. I enjoy how these stories seem to be geared toward working women who stay in touch with current events, with a little celebrity spice in the mix.

Number 4: Elle

For many of the same reasons listed above, Elle is a top fashion magazine that appears at the bottom of my list. A huge plus of this magazine is that the cover model is usually someone with classic appeal, not necessarily the "it" girl of the moment. Each month, I also wonder what amazing photography I will get to see and enjoy. 'Ask E. Jean' is a refreshing monthly column; she gives trusted advice in a funny, but to-the-point manner.

Number 3: Cosmopolitan

While I am not sure if I would classify Cosmo magazine as strictly a fashion magazine, it is a more practical type of fashion magazine than Elle or Vogue. Cosmopolitan has overviews of fashion trends and tips that can be easily found and applied in the real world. There also seems to be more current information on beauty tips for hair and makeup in Cosmo than in some of the other top fashion magazines. Another plus of the Cosmopolitan magazine is that there are articles each month that allow women to explore their sexiness by giving fun ideas for new positions in the bedroom or how to win over that hot guy at the office. While these types of articles are not directly related to fashion either, reading them allows women to feel better about themselves, and therefore feel better in whatever fashion they choose to wear.

Number 2: Lucky

I'll start with my least favorite thing about the Lucky mag: NOTHING! This is a great fashion magazine, especially regarding where to shop. This is one important detail many other magazines do not list as in-depth as Lucky magazine. The 'Shopping' section covers fashionable finds at great value, and is right on with trends and must haves. Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Lucky is their 'breaks and giveaways' section each month. Have I ever won one? No, but it's still fun to try - and no other fashion magazine offers quite as many chances to win such great stuff! Lucky is an all around great fashion magazine that really speaks to Southern women like me who have a dispensable budget, but who also enjoy being as current as we can with the New York girls and their fashion.

Number 1: InStyle

This magazine has the perfect balance of fresh fashion with real world appeal. You could imagine yourself wearing many of the outfits featured in the monthly 'Instant Style.' This section includes pairings from blouses all the way to the smallest accessories; there are normally several outfits showcased in this segment that are practical and affordable. It is also interesting to see what is in the everyday makeup bags of some celebrities - sometimes there is even something in their bag that I have in mine! InStyle has many features that the working woman will enjoy and is always adding something new to their magazine to keep it fun and exciting. InStyle really does help keep me in style and offers a source for finding that splurge-able pair of Christian Louboutin's. Sure, there are parts of the magazine that are eccentric and for the over-the-top wealthy, but women like me can indulge in that lifestyle a little through InStyle magazine.