Any star, socialite or fashionista knows that to be successful you must be noticeable, and to be noticeable you must do more than follow trends; you have to create them. Thus, ladies and gentlemen, the key to true greatness, from the pages of history books to between the covers of InStyle, has always been to defy convention.

Information, like clothing, gets outdated, upgraded, and replaced on a consistent basis. To accept everything you hear would be like wearing everything you’ve ever looked at-uncomfortable and impractical to say the least. Reevaluating old norms and tossing out old standards is beneficial and therapeutic.

So, in an effort to help you in your constant quest for both inner and outer beauty, I have for you an exercise in rejecting theories that are old and worn out.

Theory: Gentlemen prefer blondes.
Source: Marilyn Monroe
Conclusion: Rejected!

Oh, but is it really that easy?

I hope, darlings, by now you realize this column isn’t just about petty Hollywood gossip, but about getting more fun, tangible evidence for lessons applicable to the rest of your marvelous lives. Similarly, looking at the “Blonde Obsession” is not just about that at all, but about learning to get away from the safe bet and choosing instead to celebrate individuality-and how that will help you excel.

One threat to the individuality of young girls is the “Blonde Obsession.” As far back as anyone can remember blondes have been the embodiment of desire. Aside from Marilyn, modern icons like Britney Spears, Charlize Theron, and Jessica Simpson (who, interestingly enough uses the term “blonde” to describe both her hair color and her personality) perpetuate and embrace this myth.

Many of these ladies are, noticeably, not natural blondes. 1/3 of all women who are blonde did indeed have help from hair products. In the documentary “Thinking XXX” one porn star says that wannabe starlets in her line of work who don’t show up with blonde hair and ample bosoms will eventually dye their hair blonde and get implants. For many people, blonde is the natural decision when going the unnatural route.

In online dating profiles, women make it a point to mention they are blonde. The word “blonde” conjures up images of fair hair, tanned skin, and crystal blue eyes…all sized to fit a two-piece bikini. Also, with so many attractive women choosing to go blonde, there are more attractive blonde specimens to further this mindset. Ah, the endless cycle of misinformation.

Can it be that the theory is just correct and should be accepted at face value? Not exactly.

For all the Christina Aguileras, Kate Bosworths, and Jenna Jamesons out there (all of which, as of press time, were blond), there is one Angelina Jolie. Or Eva Langoria. Or her.

Angelina Jolie is a notable member of this list. In their latest “Women We Love” issue, Esquire hailed her as the “sexiest woman in the world.” She is always one to defy conventions and norms and again establishes herself as pinup girl of the unexpected.

Following her up on the list is Halle Berry, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Beyonce, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Aniston. Out of these seven “leading contenders” for the role held by Angelina, four are indeed blondes, and Beyonce is somewhere between blonde and brunette. However, both top spots (Halle was a close second) are occupied by brunettes.

Another thing worth noticing is how distinctively different Angie and Halle are from each other, not just the rest of the list. Britney and Jessica are quite similar, both being peroxide-blond pop stars, and even Charlize can be thrown in as having similar features. The top women, however, stood out from the crowd, allowing Angie and Halle to rise to the top.

So, while it sounds like I’m giving you advice on how not to highlight your tresses next time you feel the urge, I really want you to instead apply this to much more important things than your hair.

Next time you feel the need to succumb to the usual pressures to just blend in, please think twice. Blending into the crowd wouldn’t have made Miss Jolie number one. Her humanitarian efforts are more than twice as sexy as any hair dye job.

Similarly, a party girl dancing on the bar might be somewhat attractive, but an elegant lady in a sexy powersuit and a powerful position is entirely more so. Staying in on a Friday night might seem like breaking a social norm, but the studying you do one night might lead to the opportunity to be a famous scientist later on. I promise your Nobel Prize celebration party will be tons more fun than that hole-in-the-wall club you missed out on.

An old Clairol commercial used the slogan, “If I have one life to live, let me live it as a blonde!” No, if I have one life to live, let me live it fully.

So, as “Everything I Learned, I learned from Hollywood” wraps up for the summer, enjoy your scandalous summer reads. I trust that next time you flip through People Magazine you will be looking for more than tips on how to keep your summer purchases trendy through fall; you will also be looking for how to keep yourselves happy, healthy, and fabulous in every way. Whether you are looking for satisfaction in the form of a Hermes Berkin bag, or an A on your next midterm (or both), I hope I have provided you with some tools to get you on your way.

But, make sure you do figure out how to keep your summer purchases trendy through fall, it would be a shame to have to put away those sequined shrugs so soon.