This can stem from marketing – know your reader. If you find you write like another author then their readers may be your readers. It’s about comparison.
But comparison has also been used in storytelling more and more. The female was the image of ________. Or when giving insight into a character – watching their fave show ________.
Three things come to mind immediately (a) you are showing more about yourself than the characters (b) you’re assuming your readers share your likes and dislikes, share your opinion (c) does your character fit the age for the comparison.
All this ends up dating your story. Setting a specific time to it. Semi-fine if your piece is set in that time period. But you’ve still shortened its longevity.
I’ve had authors remark they use these to bring a connection to the reader. To show the character. Honestly, I’ve never had it work for me as a reader or reviewer. Well, work positively…as I’ve mentioned already.
If you used, Elizabeth Taylor (you do know who she is, right?) as the example of a character’s beauty, what reaction are you expecting?
…my dad, he didn’t find her at all attractive.
…my mom, one of the most beautiful
…my teen, sadly most likely she would ask – who?
A side note…is the item you’re using/mentioning, was it available, and is it still available? Clothes, too. Don’t forget language…groovy, chill-out, sit on it, whatever. Oh, and character speak…you as the character or the character as it should be?
Details, everything is in the details outside of the author’s experience and habits.