Southgate Designer's Swimsuit In Paris' Video

August 17, 2008

What ties John McCain and Paris Hilton to metro Detroit?

A leopard-print swimsuit!

In her clever commercial spoof striking back at John McCain for making fun of her, Paris Hilton wears a swimsuit by a local designer! (To see the video, go to http://www.funnyordie.com/ and search for Paris Hilton.)

The socialite is seen sitting on a lounge chair in gold pumps and the Animal Attraction Monokini by Trisha Geftos' company, Geftaki Swimwear, which is based in Southgate.

"I was in New York. My cousin called and said, 'Paris Hilton is wearing your suit in this political video!' " says Geftos, who is 29.

"We watched it. We were just totally shocked. ... This is just unbelievable. I can't tell you how many people have seen it and how many calls I've gotten from it."

Geftos had seen Hilton on the street in Los Angeles and stopped and gave her a couple of swimsuits.

When Hilton bought more at a retailer, the retailer called Geftos with the news.

But wearing it for the world to see, well, that was more than Geftos could ever hope.

Since the video, Geftos has been granted an interview with influential California retailer to the stars Fred Segal.

The leopard-print suit is $136. For a list of local stores that carry Geftaki suits or to shop online, go to http://www.geftaki.com/ For more info: 734-776-9913.

Cupcakes sans calories
When it comes to brightening an otherwise dark day, few things are cheerier than a cupcake with fluffy frosting.

You'll eat one, maybe two, oh, what the heck, three's a charm. Plus, you'll wash it down with milk or, better yet, a nice frothy cappuccino because we all know how important it is to get a heaping helping of calcium every day. It's for your health. You must stave off osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, you'll be crying in the morning when you have to grease up and shoehorn yourself into your jeans.

So here's a way to get a smile, without going up a size.

Cupcake Magnets!

They'll stick to your fridge or file cabinet or lots of other places, but not to your hips. Unless, of course, you have a metal plate in your hip, in which case, well ...

The magnet trio -- each magnet is about an inch square -- is available on http://www.etsy.com/ (search "ceramic tile cupcake magnets" and they'll pop up on your screen).

If you're not familiar with it, http://www.etsy.com/ is a fabulous Web site for arts and crafts.

Surveying Fitting-Room Trauma

The only thing I dislike about shopping -- besides the bills?

Trying on the clothes in a fitting room with lighting that makes me look like a bloated corpse.

Fitness magazine knows I am not alone in having dressing room issues.

It surveyed 1,001 women nationwide and asked them about their dressing room challenges and shopping frustrations.

According to the poll:

• 59% of women would never try on clothes in a communal dressing room.

• 28% head straight to the register and try on clothes at home rather than use a communal fitting room.

• Of those who do brave the group setting, 31% keep their eyes to themselves, but 11% admit they size up other bodies, too.

• 15% of women have accidentally ripped or gotten stuck in a garment that was too small. (Years ago, I got stuck in a dress in Neiman Marcus. I still dread going into the store because I'm fearful someone will recognize me as the girl who broke the zipper on the dress she couldn't afford.)

• 40% of women have bought clothing that's too small because they think they're going to look absolutely great when they lose weight.

• 60% keep jeans that don't fit because one day, darnitall, they will fit again.

• 14% of women have refused sales help so they wouldn't have to reveal their size.

• 88% of women say a trip to the clothing store has inspired them to re-evaluate their body.

• 2% have sex in fitting rooms.

Last call for pottery sale
Today is the last day of the annual Pewabic Pottery sale, a great chance to pick up art tiles, vases and dinnerware at prices 30%-50% off regular retail.

The sale is noon-4 p.m. today at 10125 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit. 313-822-0954.

Contact GEORGEA KOVANIS at 313-222-6842 or kovanis@freepress.com.