A-list looks, black-list credit

13 July 2005

By Sarah Modlock

We buy their records, watch their movies and feel smug when we see pictures of them looking dodgy in heat magazine. But how far would we go to look like the celebrities who are so popular they are practically defining a generation? And how much would we spend?

The answer, says Virgin Money, is not thousands or even millions but literally billions of pounds every year. Now, I am not shy about improving on nature. In fact I think we owe it to ourselves to look and feel as good as we can or want to. And a girl can never have too many pairs of slinky shoes or designer lip glosses. But British women are burning up their credit cards to the tune of £3.5 billion a year in their efforts to look like their favourite celebs. Now that really is plastic surgery.

Incredibly this figure is £1 billion lower than last year's. Even so, the study reveals that nine in 10 women still splash out an average of £500 a year copying celebrity style from magazine features. Beauty products, hair extensions, designer accessories and fake tans are the most popular purchases. Sadly, 83% of women say they felt pressured - probably in their own minds - to match the perfect figures, immaculate grooming and expensive wardrobes of their celebrity heroines.

Yummy mummies who appear to have it all - a supportive husband, beautiful children, flourishing careers, perfect bodies, glamour and style - are the most popular role models. Davina McCall topped the table for the second year running as the most desired and admired celebrity, followed by Catherine Zeta Jones and Sharon Osbourne. Brad Pitt stole the top spot from David Beckham as the man that most men want to look like. Jordan and fiance Peter Andre brought up the rear on each list as the style icons of just 1% of those questioned.

I wouldn't mind looking like Kate Moss. I even stopped combing my hair for a couple of days once. But short of having a DNA transplant, it's never going to happen.

For the one in 10 people who would happily go under the surgeon's knife, it's a case of no pain-no gain. Research by Abbey reveals that more than a quarter would borrow an average of £4,156 to fund a better face or body. A further quarter said they would happily borrow up to £20,000. And of course, once your body is polished and svelte, you can keep spending on mind and spirit. More than £700 million a year covers the costs of spa days, shiatsu massages and manicures, says Virgin Money. Three quarters of the women surveyed told the researchers that they are increasingly turning to alternative health therapies and yoga retreats to help them deal with stress. While you're about it, why not treat yourself to a gorgeous leatherbound Health and Beauty Diary from Smythson to keep track of those pampering appointments.

Work it, own it

If you are determined to spend your way to being buff and beautiful but have a nagging conscience or a nagging partner then it's time to get creative with your cash.

It may have given silver screen idols a touch of glamour but smoking is so last season. If you are one of the UK's 12 million hooked on the wicked weed then giving up could save you more than £100 a month not to mention a host of health benefits.

Whilst on the subject of self-discipline, if you pay off your credit card balance every month without fail then switch to a card which provides cashback - a percentage of the amount you spend refunded once a year for good behaviour.

Hollywood celebrity bible Variety estimates that movie stars require a minimum of £36 million a year to keep their grooming, entertaining and entourages ticking over. Time to buy a lottery ticket.

Alternatively, make money out of all the designer togs that you no longer wear. Selling them on an auction site such as eBay could boost this season's shopping budget and make room for new purchases. In fact there seems to be a market for pretty much anything on eBay, from Top Shop to Tiffany.

Don't forget to factor-in the charges which can add up if you are selling a large number of items. The tax man is also paying more attention to eBay now as many people make their living selling goods online. The word is that you will attract their attention - and a bill - sooner rather than later if it is clear that you are selling wholesale goods in auctions. If you decide to use the internet to make some money then resist the urge to buy more than you sell. Don't forget that clicking a 'buy now' button online is much easier than handing over a wad of cash.

Of course if it is not enough to be as well-groomed as a star then you may get your kicks by actually meeting one. A friend of mine - who shall remain nameless for obvious reasons - won an auction on eBay for lunch with 'Dawson's Creek' star James Van Der Beek. The (considerable amount of) money went to a cancer charity but it just goes to show that there are no limits for some people when it comes to 'celebrity spending'.