Next up in our style star series is a woman responsible for giving celebrities and tastemakers an extra shine. Sparkle Hill is a make-up stylist on her way to the top.

I met her at a photo shoot, and she did an amazing job on the models. I knew then that she was a style star. When I was featured in BUST Magazine, I got an unexpected dazzle from the stylist. I usually do my own make-up but the editors arranged for make-up services. I was hoping that Sparkle would show up. Oddly enough, she came through the door, and we both shared a smize!

Recently, Sparkle Hill launched her own make-up brand LUXX inspired by clients who wanted to shine on-the-go.

Philly 360 caught up with Sparkle Hill at Apricot Lane right in the heart of Suburban Square in Ardmore. Watch the video to find out what makes Sparkle a style star of Philadelphia.

Before you read this, put down that Federal Donut and get your mind right for one of the hottest trends for spring-summer 2012. Close your eyes and take a few leaps back in time and think about the clothing conventions of the teeny bopper 50s, the free-wheeling 60s, glitzy 70s and the Madonna-esque 80s. What do they all have in common? If you said ‘crop top,’ you and a few other celebs who rocked out Coachella are true style stars. Sidebar: Rihanna and Chanel Iman came ready for school with their fab midriffs.

Believe me, if you want to rock that midriff-exposing garment when the flowers are in full bloom and all the pretty things come out to play, you’ll want to get those abs in shape ASAP. And by shape, I mean tight and lean like the girls who walk out of Pure Barre.

Thankfully, today’s crops are boxier, less clingy, and more silhouette-driven than their semi-distant cousins, but they still require a well-proportioned tummy to keep the look sharp and sassy. I’m living proof - after three children and a few lines that stretch, I can still rock a fly crop top with the best of the young and fabulous. Knowing what to wear and how to wear it puts me ahead of the midriff game.

This spring, I’ll pair my fave crop top with trousers or high waisted long flowing skirts, perfect for a high-fashion romp through Rittenhouse Square or Midtown Village. Or, I’ll highlight the smallest portion of my waist by breaking out a pair of high-waisted pants and a sexy crop for a child-free night on the town.

Though the crop top can be a cruel mistress for hibernating abs, there’s a way to make it work for the curvalicious, too. 

Style Tips

Stay on trend and follow these tips: Pick a length that’s most appropriate for your environment/event—belly cleavage may not mix well with the morning coffee crew, so think it through; choose your bottom wisely, ensuring it is form-fitted but not so tight that you can see through to that freshman year rose tattoo your mom told you not to get; finally, own your look and knock ‘em dead because there’s nothing sexier than confidence!

Places to Shop for Crops

ArcadIa Boutique

819 N. 2nd Street

Smak Parlour

219 Market Street

PNK Elephant

504 South Street

Vagabond Boutique

37 N. 3rd Street

As you may know, our friends at uwishunu.com launched a video series called Philly 101. They've been creating 101 videos with notable Philadelphians asking them what they wish people knew about the city. 

Today's Philly 101 spotlight is with our very own Fashion Ambassador and Insider Rakia Reynolds! Uwishunu stepped into her boutique PR firm, Skai Blue Media, which is also the home of her soon-to-be-unveiled Skai Blue Show fashion showroom.

Watch the video to see what this fashionista wishes you knew about Philly.

Next up in my Style Stars of Philadelphia series is Leah Kauffman, executive producer for entertainment for Philadelphia Media Network. Leah is the epitome of fun and fantastic, and she's a Philadelphia fashion fan.

Social media keeps me tapped into fashionistas from across the world, so it wasn’t long before I noticed Leah’s Kauffman’s personal style and creative voice on her other web home phrequency.com. “Personal style goes beyond just clothes; it’s indicative to how you live your life, “ said by the true spirit of style, as she sat at her piano in her Midtown Village apartment.

We accompanied Leah on a shopping trip to some of her (as well as our) favorite boutiques around the city. Check out the video with Leah to get to know her better.

Some Of Leah’s Favorite Local Boutiques:

Philadelphia Vintage and Consignment Shoppe

111 S. 12th Street

Verde Boutique

108 S. 13th Street

Retrospect Vintage

508 South Street

Sugarcube

124 N. 3rd Street         

Hey there, fashion fanatics!

I was in Northern Liberties getting a manicure at Salon Spa East when I spotted a new boutique in the neighborhood. Aesthetiks Boutique, located in Liberties Walk (1030 N. 2nd Street), has something for every one including section for menswear. Influenced by the study of the mind and beauty and what defines aesthetics, the store carries a variety of brands (Tory Burch, Kardashian Kollection, Chanel) and independent designers. 

Khadia Conteh, the owner is also a stylist and designer. If you're looking for something signature, the store exclusively carries scarves and headwraps that Conteh designed inspired by her family's Sierra Leone heritage.

First up in my Style Stars of Philadelphia series is Curran Swint of Kings Rule Together.

I met Curran at a party a couple of years ago, and it was fashion at first sight. Often seen donning the best in men’s vintage wears, this young king is a true inspiration and a Philadelphia fashion plate. His blog, kingsruletogether.com is a chock full of inspiration and his own fashion musings.

This scene-ster knows the meaning of seeing and being seen. You can catch him at the coolest events and on the pages of GQ, Ebony, NY Times, Complex and  Essence magazines, just to name a few.

Check out the video with Curran to get to know him better.