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