The very first story I ever wrote was called “The Very Vain Cloud.” I had just learned the word “vain,” thought it was amazing, and wanted to use it over and over. The story was a paragraph long, typed on my parents’ old typewriter.
Now I write other things.
Magazine stories
Are tanning beauty pageants for real? Pasty white Melissa Walker investigates the 22nd Annual Miss Hawaiian Tropic International.
We had a ton of questions for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire star Emma Watson, but we graciously gave up our interviewing rights to you readers. (Less work for us!)
You deserve a celebrity-style break. Try one of these A-list resorts.
Global Girl of the Moment: Jem
Child abuse, cyberporn, murder and hissing demons — in church? The performers of Hell House say they’re saving souls by any means necessary.
How to survive extreme mortification
If these women managed to not curl up and die, you’ll be fine too.
Interview with Curtis Sittenfeld
This writer totally captures life as a smart, socially challenged girl. If we could, we’d sign up for a class in Curtis.
We asked 1000+ ElleGirls from the U.S., Holland, Korea, Russia and the U.K. how they feel about their bodies. Are we nosy or what?
Here are 17 insider tips for looking — and feeling — your best.
Period Panties: Our Dirty Little Secret
Real women talk about the little cotton undies that are ready to do battle every 28 days.
Psychodermatology: Can You Think Away Acne?
Probing the relationship between skin and stress
Say farewell to your “wished for weight”
Every woman has a dream weight that once graced her scale. Self asked an expert to analyze women’s numbers and suggest an alternate “happy weight” that makes it possible to live without always dieting — or agonizing.
What’s it like to be a fly on the wall in a male model’s apartment? Melissa Walker “sacrifices” 24 hours to find out.
A review of the teen actors who play key roles in the acclaimed HBO series, The Wire.
After spending so much time planning your dress, jewelry, and hair, why settle for a run-of-the-mill corsage?
Via, a new camp in New Zealand, proves that the days of canoeing and fireside songs are over. Think helicopter piloting, personal-life coaches, luxurious facials and a virtual-stock-exchange class. No joke.
Irresponsible, never-ending summer that blows your shot at college or progressive, empowering path to true intelligence?
There are high expectations for the sun season. Make sure yours are met.
Get rid of those little imperfections. Our experts share the best solutions at the doctor’s and at home.
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