Off the Rack

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She’s one of Hollywood’s most stylish moms, so Reese Witherspoon was sure to be there for the opening party for Poppy, a new children’s clothing boutique in Santa Monica opened by pals Jenny Belushi and Heather Whitney. Between bites of mac & cheese the actress dished to PEOPLE about all-things fashion. Reese reveals that in over-the-top L.A. it’s actually pretty difficult to find kids’ clothes that appeal to more traditional tastes — hence, her love for Poppy. “You’re not going to find a python print bikini for your baby here!” she laughs. “It’s the classic styles that are hard to find in L.A. It’s a lot of rock n’ roll T-shirts with skulls, which I think is a little morbid for a six-year-old!” And it looks like Reese’s fashion sense is genetic. “Ava loves to wear matching mom and daughter outfits,” she says. “I picked up little red peasant blouses for both of us that looks cool on me and cute on her. And my son loves everything orange! I already bought everything in the store that’s orange.” But no shopping sprees on Mother’s Day, at least. “Every year is different, of course, but there are always a lot of secret plans going on. But I know it’ll involve either dry toast with strawberry jelly or dry toast with orange jelly!” Sounds pretty sweet.

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Reese Witherspoon announced her role as the honorary chair of the Avon Foundation last year, and today she appeared before the United Nations to help the beauty giant announce their partnership with the United Nations Development Fund for Women. Reese is not only the spokeswoman but has helped introduce the Women’s Empowerment Bracelet, which she proudly modeled today at the U.N. You too can get one of these silk and siver bracelets for only $3. Net proceeds of $2.25 from each bracelet go directly to create a new Avon Empowerment Fund. The first $500,000 from bracelet sales will be matched by the Avon Foundation for a total donation of $1 million to UNIFEM for projects that will empower women around the world. Join Reese in supporting women’s rights about the world by clicking here to buy a bracelet for yourself or a woman in your life.

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Page-turner The Kite Runner, Khaled Housseini’s best-selling book about friendship, betrayal, and redemption in Afghanistan, has inspired a unique eBay charity auction. Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie, Madonna, Halle Berry, and Jake Gyllenhaal have each autographed the tail of one of 25 beautiful Afghan kites, just like those featured in the soon-to-be-be released film adaptation of the book. All proceeds will benefit the Afghanistan Relief Organization and go toward training teachers and building libraries in rural Afghanistan. Log on to ebay.com/kiterunner from now until December 15th to bid and help make the world a better place.

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We all love to save a few bucks, especially around the holidays. With so many affordable, yet trendy options out there, even stars like Reese Witherspoon (in Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl’s), Jessica Biel and Kate Bosworth are getting in on the deals. But shopping for bargains in stores during this season can be a huge pain — between fighting for rack space and standing in line for dressing rooms, we start to wonder if it’s worth it. Want to know our secret? Instead of trolling our fave websites every day to see what’s discounted, we’ve signed up for their email alerts and newsletters to keep tabs on upcoming sales. Just remember to create a special email account so you don’t clog up your personal or work inbox. We did and it’s a lifesaver. Now we want to know what you do! Tell us: What’s your secret for finding good bargains?

Want your answer to appear in print? To have your comment considered for the next issue of PEOPLE’s StyleWatch, please INCLUDE your first name and last initial, your age and your hometown/state.

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Reese Witherspoon has been wowing us with her premiere-style that past couple of weeks. But we especially love what The Rendition star wore to 17th Annual Children’s Defense Fund “Beat The Odds” Awards show in Beverly Hills: a totally affordable, Simply Vera Vera Wang coat from Kohl’s! (Of course, underneath it was this stunning Versace dress.) We hear that this Hollywood mom has stocked up the designer’s new lower-price line, and you can, too! Get your hands on her short-sleeve textured coat, on sale for $77 (marked down from $128), at kohls.com or in person at Kohl’s stores. Check out all Vera Wang’s designs at Kohls.com. Which do you think Reese will wear next?

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This week was full of hot celeb looks that we are dying to steal for ourselves. Just in case you missed any, we put the best all together for you in a new weekly video! From Reese Witherspoon’s red dress to Carrie Underwood’s must-have purse, we’ve got the scoop on what made the stars sizzle — and shopping links to buy it for less. Watch our “Who Looked Hot This Week” video and don’t forget to come back next week to see what stars made our hot list. Click here to watch the video!

Courtesy couturecandy.com

Not only are Pierce jeans fashionable and comfortable, but they always give back. 50% of their profits go to children’s charities with this year’s choice being Kids of Kilmanjaro. Stars like Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry support the line. Get 20% off all Pierce Jeans at couturecandy.com with the promo code PEOPLEPIERCE and get free shipping! Offer expires August 26th, 2007.

What we love from Pierce Jeans at couturecandy.com now:

Monterey Justin bootcut jeans, $149. With discount, $120.