Miracle in a Jar

If you're like me, then you dread the morning routine of applying make-up to look put together for work or class.  But I have found a solution. I recently purchased a cream eyeshadow, which has become my favorite cosmetic product since it's easy to apply and allows me to complete my morning process in less time.

This magic product is Bobbi Brown Long-wear Cream Shadow ($22).

Bloomingdales.com

After speaking with several Bobbi Brown make-up artists at Bloomingdales, this is their favorite product because a little goes a long way.  I bought the Sandy Gold color, which I use everyday because it's light-weight and neutral.

Avoid the Michelin Look

Don't take the Michelin look from the Michelin man!

findatruckingjob.com

A down coat without structure will make you look like the Michelin man and will not show off your figure. So, finding a coat that shows off the waist will do wonders for you.

If you have smaller hips, then a coat with a belt will be best for you.  Your waist will be accentuated and the focus of attention. Keeping the coat length above the knee will also define the waist.

Bloomingdales.com: Marc New York $330

For those who have wider hips, a coat without the physical belt will work for you.  The coat below shows off the waist without making the hips look wider because the waist is gathered in the back.  The waist is modestly shown off since it doesn't have a belt buckle to attract everyone's attention.

Length is key to complimenting your height and waist.  For taller women (5'7 and taller), a coat below the knee is where you want the coat to hit and for shorter women, the coat should be above the knee.

Bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $548

Bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $548

With any of the coats, trying on several pairs is a must.  The belt will not always fit you properly because some of us have larger or shorter torsos.  And if you don't have any luck at the first store, don't give up!  The coat for you is out there at a different store. 

Guys... I haven't forgotten about you!

Lucky for you, any down coat will do as long as it is long enough to cover your stomach.  It's cold out, and you definitely want to make sure that the cold wind doesn't enter through the bottom of the coat because you bought a size too small.  The ideal length is for the coat to just hit the waist.

Bloomingdales.com: Cole Haan $395

And yes, it's possible to be fashionable and warm this winter season!

The BHGF: Ties

Weekly Contributor: Burke Hair*

Hey! You, the one with your shirt unbuttoned to your navel like you're in some Calvin Klein ad.

Your neck looks pretty empty, man.  You could use some fashion up in that general area.  Luckily for you, I know just the thing: a tie.

That's right.  Ties: it's just fashion for your neck.

Allow me to educate you on your tie options, and give you a little background information on each one so that you can make an informed decision in regards to dressing your naked throat.  

Neck Ties - Fun for the whole family

The Neck Tie

The simple neck tie is an obvious choice in under the chin fashion. If you enjoy things that are boring and taking family photographs in oversized denim shirts, then this is the choice for you. Another great thing about the neck tie is that it comes in such a wide variety of colors, patterns, and cartoon characters.  Let the entire world know about your unnatural affinity toward Bugs Bunny with a Warner Bros. themed tie!  

The Bow Tie

The Bow Tie - A perfect partnership 
with suspenders

If you wear glasses, enjoy suspenders, and carry extra writing implements in your pocket, then you might be a bow tie kind of guy.  Traditionally, bow ties are the chosen type of tie for tuxedos.  I, however, reject this.  Bow ties are not cool and can never be such.  If you like doing things that aren't cool (a few suggestions: math, thumbs up, or wearing white socks with dress shoes), feel free to throw on a bow tie.  Just remember that Urkel, from Family Matters, frequently displayed this fashion.  

The Ascot

The Ascot - It lets your neck say, 
"I'm better than you"

If you happen to be royalty, then you might think about wearing an ascot.  This fashion piece is for those who have thought to themselves, "I wish there was some way that I could differentiate myself fashion-wise from these plebeians that I work with. Stupid plebes."

The String Tie

The String Tie - The #1 choice in neck 
wear of 19th century card dealers

The string tie is that rare piece of dress that immediately labels you as "racist," along with white hoods, swastika armbands, and NASCAR t-shirts.  

The String Tie - Might I also 
suggest an all white suit?

 

The Bolo Tie

The Bolo Tie - The white man's gold chain

The bolo tie is the ultimate in western men's fashion.  Do you ever find that you wish you could incorporate belt buckles in more places than just on your belt?  If your answer is "yes," then check out the bolo tie.  The customization options are infinite because you can throw all kinds of crazy buckle-looking things on it.  You can even customize the caps that go on the ends of the strings, like fancy shoelaces.  I've seen some bolo ties with empty bullet shells on the end, which lets everyone know that you mean business. 

The Bolo Tie - If it's good enough for the Boss...

The Bandana

If you wear chaps, then you have no choice but to wear a bandana around your neck.  A bandana is the perfect way to make any look more casual.  Putting a bandana on says to the world, "I live by my own rules and practice a western brand of moral justice." If you don't carry some sort of pistol, then you should strongly consider not wearing a bandana.

The Bandana - Totally not gay on cowboys

*Disclaimer:  Burke Hair's views on fashion are his own and are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense. To avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world, you should probably do the opposite of everything that he says. 

Man Scarf

I guess women aren't the only fashion conscious ones on a budget.  It is only fair for me to assist all the guys in their quest to look trendy, without trying too hard or appearing too feminine.  The scarf is an accessory that I feel men are hesitant to incorporate into their wardrobe because it is either too European, as Burke has mentioned, or too feminine.

If worn correctly, scarves can make a man look debonair, like Brad Pitt.  There are various ways of wearing a scarf.  The most common way is by folding it in half, wrapping it around your neck, and pulling the ends of the scarf through the loop.

beckymotew.blogspot.com

Another way, which might take practice to make it look as effortless as Brad Pitt, is by throwing one end of the scarf over your shoulder.

Promadvice.com

And the simplest way is to wrap it around your neck and let it hang.

milenablog.com

For one day only at Gap.com:

Be sure to check out their selection of scarves, all under $25!

Gap.com

The BHGF: Innovations in Fashion Technology

Weekly Contributor: Burke Hair*


I recently came across Fabrican, a company that has created a spray-on fabric product.  The video below shows how it works.



This got me thinking about the many things that I could do with spray-on fabrics and how I would already have my own clothing line if I had more than rudimentary sewing skills.  Luckily for me, with spray-on fabric, I can skip the boring sewing stuff and just spray on my designs.  After 13 seconds of careful consideration, I came to a decision on what would become the first product that the Burke Hair Guide to Fashion Clothing Line would offer.


The Adult Onesie.


Why should babies be the only ones to enjoy the ultimate in connected fashion? Obviously, I was on to something.


But then I found this.  Don't mind that banging sound, it's just my dreams being crushed.  Another company, Jumpin' Jammerz, had beat me to my idea.


Jumpin' Jammerz is the craziest name that I have ever heard of for a product.  It blows my mind every time I think about it.  Somehow, these people managed to pack alliteration, folksy dropping of the letter "g," a "z" in place of an "s," an action word, and a ridiculous tagline ("It's a footed thing," which they smartly registered) into one brand name.  If these people had invented the banana it would be called Yello' Yummiez.  A chair would be called Sittin' Situationz.


Take a look at some of these things.

Sometimes, you find things on the internet that you aren't sure how to feel about. Usually it involves animals, pie, a pirate, and a pair of jeans.  This time, though, it's just Jumpin' Jammerz that makes me feel weird.

*Disclaimer:  Burke Hair's views on fashion are his own and are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense.  To avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world, you should probably do the opposite of everything that he says. 

Examine This

The faux fur trend is in full-throttle.  There is a style and price point for everyone wanting to incorporate faux fur into their wardrobe.  Whether you want to make a statement or not, check out my take on faux fur at Examiner.com as I have become the Chicago Budget Fashion Examiner!

Zara.com $79.90

Shoe Miracle

Are you looking for a shoe that will help make your legs look slimmer? Would you be interested in a versatile colored pump? Do you want a shoe that won't get ruined if it gets wet?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then I have the shoe for you: Nude (or natural) colored patent pumps.

Nude (or natural) colored patent pumps have become my favorite pair of shoes to wear.  The color gives the illusion that your legs are longer and slimmer, which all of us want.  Because it is a neutral color, the shoes can be worn with most outfits.  Nude pumps look best when you're wearing a short dress or skirt to show off your slimmer looking legs.  And since it's the patent material, it will not get ruined when it is wet. Instead, the rain will slide off the shoe, making up-keep relatively simple.

Neimanmarcus.com: Christian Louboutin $695

Norstrom.com: Sam Edelman $99.95

Nordstrom.com: Steve Madden $89.95

Don't forget that you can never have enough shoes. There are 365 days in a year; that's 365 chances to wear a different pair!

Been There, Worn That

If you're like me, on a budget and not wanting to be caught in a picture wearing the same holiday outfit as last year, then I have one acronym for you: H&M.

If you haven't noticed, H&M is one of my favorite stores to shop at because it is on point with every trend.  And what's even better is the price.  Since trends constantly change, why bother spending a fortune on an outfit that will be outdated next month? The same goes for holiday dresses.  Last year, it was all about the tool, and this year, you must be ready to shine in sequins. But no need to fret, H&M has made holiday dress shopping easy for you with dozens of racks filled with holiday dresses, all under $50.  Here are just a few:

H&M.com $49.95

H&M.com $9.95

H&M.com $9.95

H&M.com $39.95

H&M.com $19.95

And as always, be sure not to let the dress define you, but for you to define the dress.

Rules Were Made To Be Broken

Whoever said you couldn't wear white after Labor Day was not familiar with the winter white trend in fashion.

As far back as I can remember, I've always been told NO white after Labor Day. To some extent, there is some validity to that statement.  According to an article in Time Magazine, white was worn during the summer because white articles of clothing allowed the material to breathe.  After the summer heat, white clothes were then stored in the closet until the next summer.

But in recent ready-to-ready runway shows at Versace, Gucci, Chanel, and Michael Kors, white coats, pants, and dresses were prevalent on the catwalk.  Designers have disregarded the no white rule and have made wearing white in the winter acceptable.

Versace: Vogue.co.uk

Gucci: Vogue.co.uk

Chanel: Vogue.co.uk

Michael Kors: Vogue.co.uk

Make a bold statement this winter season and wear white.

The Burke Hair Guide to Fashion

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

Did you know that the scarf isn't only for warmth now? Apparently, it is cool for otherwise normal men to wear scarfs in all seasons. But I'm not buying it.

Back in the old days, a scarf was necessary because you were hiking 15 miles to the nearest forest to chop down some fire wood in order to heat your house and prevent your family from falling into a hypothermic death. Just like god intended.

Fast forward to now and hipster and trendy men are throwing on scarfs to “complete” their outfit. Look, our grandparents fought in World War II so that we wouldn't have to conform to European sensibilities and this scarf as accessory instead of necessity thing strikes me as a European idea. I don't like it.

*Disclaimer: Burke Hair's views on fashion are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing. In fact, this blog is appalled at his fashion sense. You should probably do the opposite of everything that he says if you want to avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world.

Scarf Options

Scarves are essential pieces to complete your outfit this season.  But for some, it can be difficult to add a scarf to the ensemble because of the numerous scarf options available.  However, if scarves are worn correctly, they can help complete your look and add an extra bit of personal style. 

Finding a scarf is the least of your worries. It's actually wearing the scarf that makes the entire process challenging.  Here are several ways, depending on the style, size, and texture, to wear a scarf this season.

Silk rectangle scarf. Fold or roll the scarf, 2- 3 times lengthwise, until it has gotten relatively smaller.  Then, wrap it around your neck and tie a knot a couple of inches from the end.

Net-a-porter.com $260

Silk, cashmere,  or cotton blend square scarf.  These scarves can be hard to wear unless you are familiar with the "triangle."  The best way to wear this is by folding the scarf diagonally, creating a triangle.  Then, hold the triangle in front of you with the tip of the triangle pointing down.  Lay the scarf on your chest and pull each end of the scarf around your neck.  You can either let the sides hang, like the picture below

Net-a-porter.com $395

or tie the ends and hide it underneath the triangle like such.

Net-a-porter.com $395

Cashmere or cotton blend rectangle scarf.  This style and textured scarf can be worn in numerous ways.  The first way is by taking the scarf, wrapping it around your neck, and letting it hang loosely around the neck.

Net-a-porter.com $995

Another way is take one end of the scarf and throw it over one shoulder.

Net-a-porter.com $495

The easiest way is to just let the scarf hang around your neck.

Net-a-porter.com $50

Whether you are someone that enjoys figuring out how to wear a scarf or someone who dreads the thought of wearing one, there is something out there for you!

Cozy Up

Although it is still relatively warm here in Chicago, it's not too early to prepare for the blistering winter that we all know is ahead. Knitted dresses, cardigans, and oversized sweaters are ways to stay warm and fashionable this winter season.

Knitwear is ideal for the winter because it is a simple, thickly woven article of clothing.

Knits are basic enough to be worn with colorful or textured tights,

H&M.com $19.95

large accessories (hat or bangles),

Forever21.com $10.50

over-the-knee boots,

Halson: net-a-porter.com $1195

and with a pair of jeans.

j.crew.com $78

The key with knitwear is being confident wearing it and not letting the clothes wear you.

Friend or Foe

LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) is a conglomerate of high-end luxury brands which includes Louis Vuitton, Celine, Givenchy, and Christian Dior.  The fashion industry was astounded after hearing that LVMH bought 17% of the family owned business Hermès in October.  Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, said that the acquisition was "friendly" according to British Vogue.  Arnault has also mentioned that he does not plan to take over the Hermès brand in the next six months. The Autorite des Marches Financiers is currently investigating the purchase of the Hermès shares to ensure that Arnault followed the governing laws.  What does this mean for Hermès and other family owned luxury brands?  LVMH is coming for you.

Bernard Arnault:wsj.com

Hermès' spring/summer 2011 collection: 

vogue.co.uk

The Burke Hair Guide to Fashion

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

Guys want to look good too.  Luckily, I'm here to help.  I don't have any fashion experience, knowledge, or skill but I've found some fashion staples that every man needs.  Also, I found them for cheap.  If you need to get dressed up to go watch the game at your buddy's house, I have you covered. 

Wrangler jeans  $17.50– You could throw these things through a wood chipper and they would come out in tact; they are made of some thick, durable denim.  And they are cheap.  You could buy one pair of these and they would last your whole life, and ladies love when you wear an old pair of jeans.  Also, notice the sweet side pockets for added storage space. 

walmart.com

Tube socks – The classic sock, good for any occasion.  You could get a pack of 6 for a buck. 

Team shirt - $10 at Wal-Mart and you can wear it watching the game, out to the store, raking leaves or cleaning out the gutter.  That's versatility.

Hanes sweatpants and Hanes sweatshirt – You can get a whole sweatsuit, packaged in a tube, for $6.  With a deal like that, wherever you wear this will be Value City.  

*Disclaimer: Burke Hair's views on fashion are not shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.  In fact, this blog is appalled by his fashion sense.  You should probably do the opposite of everything that he says if you want to avoid being the laughing stock of the fashion world.

Topshop is Finally Coming to the Windy City

Topshop, a trendy British retailer with prices a bit higher than H&M, will be opening its first store in Chicago next spring.  The Topshop and Topman line will be available at the store, which will be located on Michigan Ave. It is one of several stores that Topshop will be opening in the U.S.  Other stores are said to open in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.

Unfortunately, Chicagoans will not be able to shop the Kate Moss for Topshop Collection next year. So, in order to snag the latest from Kate Moss, shop Topshop.com.

Topshop.com

"Must Haves" That Never Change

Every month, you read about the "must haves" for a particular season in the fashion magazines.  But for someone who is on a college budget, purchasing everything on the list is impossible.  So, what is someone on a college budget to do?  Purchase the "must have" pieces that are timeless classics.  Below are staple pieces that replicate the high-end designer looks, but for a fraction of the cost.

And just because you're on a budget, it doesn't mean you need to look like it!

The Trench.  Everyone woman needs one because it is a coat that will never go away and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Common trench coat colors are camel, black, and white, which makes this coat easy to wear since those colors are basic enough to match any outfit.

Topshop.com $160

Burberry.com$1395

                                                                                                                                        


The White Blouse. The crisp white blouse can be worn during any season and paired with anything from a sequence skirt to a high waisted wool pencil skirt, taking the look from the office to a cocktail party.

Banana Republic.com $60

Theory: bergdorfgoodman.com $190

Dark Denim. A dark washed denim can flatter any figure, making it a "must have" for everyone.  The key with any pair of jeans is the fit.  Each jean style will depend on the person's figure.  And if you don't know your body type, go into any store, J.crew, Banana Republic, etc., try on several pairs and ask the sales associates for help. It will be worth it in the long run!

Gap.com $69.50

J Brand: bergdorfgoodman.com $160

The Black Pump. You can never go wrong with black pumps because it can be worn to work or for going out. With any pair of shoes, make sure you are comfortable walking in them.  What good is a pair of shoes if you can't walk in them?

Aldoshoes.com $90

Christian Louboutin: bergdorfgoodman.com $695

LBD (Little Black Dress).  When in doubt, wear the LBD. It can be dressed up for any party with costume jewelry or dressed down with simple pearls. The hems can either be long or short, depending on the person's age. So, there is a LBD for everyone of all ages.

Bebe.com $109

Herve Leger: bergdorfgoodman.com $1280

Pearls. From the discovery of the pearl until now, the pearl has evolved, and I doubt it will be going anywhere soon. Pearls are simple enough to be worn to the office and elaborate enough to wear at a party.  It will revolve around the look you are trying to convey.

Jcrew.com $50

mikimoto.com $270

Once your wardrobe has been established with these essential pieces, you are set for the years to come.