Walking Canvas

Walking Canvas 2.0

2011-08-04T21:55:00.000-05:00

We can't wait to share our inspiration with you, so stay tuned!

Trend Alert: Flare Jeans

2011-04-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Need new jeans for spring? Consider this: Flared Jeans. They have become all the rage in fashion this season. Below are pictures from Sartorialist.blogspot.com of women like Paris Vogue's editor-in-chief Emmanuelle Alt showing off this new trend.

Flare jeans look exceptional with sky-high heels because they give the illusion that you're taller than you really are. When out shopping, check out these J Brand jeans. The first pair gives you a 70's feel because of the mini front pockets, and the second pair can be worn with any blouse or heel.

Bloomingdales.com: J Brand

Free Spirited

2011-03-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

The first wave of spring apparel has arrived! While shopping in SoHo the other week, I noticed that pants and blouses were loose fitting this season. H&M is pushing for a lot of print this season, along the lines of Boho Chic. They have quintessential maxi dresses at a price point that anyone can afford.

everydayfact.net: H&M 49.95

everydayfacts.net: H&M 19.95

As much as I adore maxi dresses, I love loosely fitting blouses more. The blouses work for any shape because they hide everyone's flaws. Zara has satin blouses in white and other bold colors that are ideal for the spring.

Zara.com 59.90

Zara.com 99.90

I have a feeling that we'll be seeing more colors and prints for spring and summer!

Fashion Week: NY

2011-02-21T00:31:00.000-06:00

Fall 2011 looks promising. From Marc by Marc Jacobs to Rodarte, fall is a blend of muted colors, mid-waisted trousers, and exquisite prints.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs collection had a nostalgic feel. Women wore striped trousers with floppy hats, which gave me a 70's vibe. His choice of color also added to the feel of that decade.

Vogue.co.uk

Rodarte came out with whimsical, detailed dresses. Soft colored dresses blew in the wind as models made their way down the catwalk. The light colors enabled the viewer to see the intricate details involved in each look.

vogue.co.uk

I can't wait to see what Milan, Paris, and London have to offer in the coming weeks.

Akira Wrap-Up

2011-02-14T20:43:00.000-06:00

I was fortunate enough to watch the Akira Spring 2011 fashion show at the Lyric Opera in Chicago last week. Prior to the show starting, I envisioned color, prints, and flirty dresses for spring. I thought, who better than Akira to showcase the trends for Chicagoans, considering Akira is one of the most popular boutiques in Chicago.

Once the show started, I fell in love with the men's collection. If I could describe the entire collection in one word, it would be vivacious. Colored shorts, suits, and printed shirts were prevalent on the runway. I enjoy seeing men in color, especially after 3-6 months of dark colors for the fall and winter. Overall, I felt that Akira was on point for men.

nbcchicago.com

Akira did an exceptional job with neutrals. I appreciate safari-type looks for spring and the floppy hats.

nbcchicago.com

There was a point in the show, however, where I felt some type of disconnect between the season and what Akira was showing. The collection ranged from safari camel-colored outfits to a black wardrobe. I typically do not think of black for spring, yet Akira showed enough of it to cause some confusion as to the season the show was for. I would prefer to see black in the fall collection.

nbcchicago.com

While the men's collection oozed color, the women's side lacked in that regard. I saw several bold colors but I wanted more! Spring is a season to embrace color. I feel that wearing color lifts up everyone's mood because you're too distracted with the boldness of the color to pay attention to anyone who has a bad attitude.

nbcchicago.com

I thought the women's collection was just okay. The show took place at the Opera House, where many dramatic shows have taken place; thus, it would only be appropriate to have a runway show with that same type of drama, whether it's in the shoes that the models wear or the print on the dresses.

Overall, I was fond of the narrative that the men's line created. I felt that they were in Central Park, waiting for that special someone to have a picnic with and then to surprise her with a boat ride in the pond. A story is what I craved when I watched the women's collection. Rather than telling one coherent story, it was a jumble of 3 individual stories.

Spring Trend Alert!

2011-02-08T22:28:00.004-06:00

Many of you are probably not thinking about spring, especially if you live in Chicago and walk through the mounds of snow everyday to get to the train or wait for the bus.

I, on the other hand, am thinking about what spring has to offer this year. After thumbing through the February issue of Bazaar, I have a feeling that we'll be seeing a lot of exotic animal prints, cork sandals, neutral colored bags, and bold colored shirts, trousers, and shorts.

Neutral colored bags:

Simple, neutral colored bags are great for spring! The Coach satchel handbag below is the "go to bag" for the season. It's color makes it easy to accessorize any outfit and the patent leather makes it a durable bag that can withstand time and dirt. The best thing about the bag is it's versatility. It can be used as a shoulder bag for a dinner party or a cross-body bag for a walk in the park.

Nordstrom.com: Coach $298

Animal Prints:
This year more than ever, all the designers are coming out with dresses with various animal prints. The Blumarine ad below highlights the animal print trend better than me explaining it.

highglam.blogspot.com

The Michael Kors dress below allows you to work this trend into your everyday life.

Bloomingdales.com: Michael Kors $130

Cork Shoes:
This spring, a lot of designers are designing shoes with a cork bottom. Cork is ideal for the spring because of its light weight and neutral color.

Bloomingdales: Sam Edelman $60

Bloomingdales.com: Chloe $675

Color:

Spring is my favorite season to dress up because it's okay to wear color to stand out from the rest. A splash of color, whether it's the dress, shirt, skirt, or shoe your wearing, will make all the difference.

Nordstrom.com: Nicole Miller $275

Forever21.com: $8.50

Bergdorfgoodman.com: Christian Louboutin $735

Bergdorfgoodman.com: Lanvin $1240

Be ahead of the game and prep your closet with these spring trends.

Introducing Burke Hair's Guide to Style

2011-01-24T00:12:00.000-06:00

By: Burke Hair*

The Burke Hair Guide to Fashion is dead. Rising from its grave, like some impossibly strong zombie**, is Burke Hair's Guide to Style. Now I know what you're thinking, "But Burke, where will I get all my up-to-the-week fashion tips?" From Burke Hair's Guide to Style.

"Whaaaaa?"

That's right, the BHGF has been taken behind the shed, Old Yeller style, but BHGS will be so much more. It will offer my takes on not only fashion, but other style related endeavors as well.

"Thank you so much."

You're welcome.

In summary, I have dropped the "the" and added a possessive apostrophe because I'm more efficient in 2011, and I have changed "fashion" to "style" because I want to be able to transition my brand into offering exciting new products, such as my forthcoming line of embroidered pillows, coming this spring exclusively at Target.

This is the beginning of an empire, people.

John Stockton was the last person to
successfully wear short shorts in
the NBA. He was also one of the dirtiest
players in the history of sport.

Shortened pants, as shorts are formally known, are probably one of the last things you are currently thinking about if you: 1) live in the northern hemisphere; 2) Live somewhere with real seasons as opposed to a magical wonderland in which the weather is pleasant all year long***; and 3) Are not one of those winter-short-wearing-crazies. But I just happen to have shorts on my mind.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., the NBA had most of its teams play games, at all times of the day, this past Monday. Because the best way to celebrate Dr. King's legacy is by inconveniencing a mostly black league for the enjoyment of its mostly white audience. Or something like that, I don't know, I wasn't alive during the civil rights movement.

When your shorts are this long they
become either baggy flooding pants or
baggy capris, two things that are not cool.

Anyway, as I watched the Chicago Bulls compete athletically with the Memphis Grizzlies, I thought to myself how short length has changed over time. Transport me back 30 years and I'm watching a bunch of guys running around in shorts that are always one slip away from being the ultimate 'wardrobe malfunction.' Today, shorts hang down around the knee, and I wonder, what are we hiding? Is this what progress looks like?

Like many things, however, short length is cyclical.

Currently, knee-length shorts are common among men, unless you are into certain parts of the rap game, particularly in the south, in which much longer shorts are often seen. But just 30 years ago, genital-hugging shorts were all the rage among even modest men. If we look even further into the past, our nation's founding fathers wore shortened pants that cut off at the knee****, which is a length that is popular today.

I really want to call these pantaloons but
I don't think that would be historically
accurate, and if there's one thing I'm all
about, it's historical accuracy.

Short length is cyclical = Proven.

Now that we agree on that, I think it is time that we think about shifting the cycle back toward shorter shorts. Men, why are you denying yourselves the supreme comfort and range of motion that your body yearns for and that tiny shorts can offer? Why let only women enjoy the pleasures of minuscule outerwear and uninhibited thighs?

The time for the short shorts revolution is now. Someone yells out into the world, "Who wears short shorts?" I want you to stand proudly, thigh-hair flowing in the breeze, "I wear short shorts."

You wear short shorts.

* As always, a disclaimer is in order: My (Burke Hair) views contained in this post are my own and are not necessarily shared by this blog or Annaleah Garing.

** In his book The Zombie Survival Guide, Max Brooks points out how silly the depiction of a graveyard filled with walking dead crawling up from their graves really is. Think about it, a zombie is only as strong as the human that it used to be, and no human could ever crawl up to the service under six feet of soil. The weight of all that soil would prove too great an obstacle.

*** I understand that there are non-magical places like this that exist but I choose to not believe in them because winter in Chicago lasts for approximately 16 months.

**** I'm not sure they were really shorts because you had to wear them tight, like pants, and with some long stocking-like socks but they definitely count as shorts in my book, Burke Hair's Guide to Style.

A Splash of Color

2011-01-11T16:11:00.000-06:00

When I think of spring and adding color to my wardrobe, I think of Prabal Gurung. He is someone that everyone should become familiar with.

Gurung was a 2010 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist who has made a name for himself. He started his fashion career at New Delhi's National Institute of Fashion Technology. Afterward, he traveled around the globe until 1999 when he decided to move to New York. In the Big Apple he interned at Donna Karan, worked with Cynthia Rowley's design team, and was the design director at Bill Blass until Gurung decided to start his own company.

His Spring 2011 collection is filled with rich, bold colored looks that have some type of movement or extra detailing, which adds a bit of excitement to every outfit. Just take a look for yourself!

prabalgurung.com: Spring '11

Chanel's New It Girl

2011-01-06T10:25:00.000-06:00

Blake Lively has become the new Chanel ambassador. She joins the list of Chanel ambassadors which include, Keira Knightly, Georgia May Jagger, and Nicole Kidman.

Lagerfeld says "she's a kind of American dream girl" and the photo shoot "was an easy job because everyone fell in love with her." Maybe you'll fall in love with her too when the new ad campaign comes out.

Vogue.com

Mix It Up: Part 1

2011-01-04T13:47:00.000-06:00

Start off the new year by making a statement and mixing prints and textures into your outfits. Think of this as a new year's resolution to add some personality into your wardrobe.

This is a resolution that is about you and what makes you feel great about yourself. I've put together some examples of how to incorporate prints and textures into an outfit, and now all you need to do is try!

A printed dress is the best way to begin wearing prints. Printed dresses are easy to wear because shoes and accessories are the only missing pieces.

Vogue editor Valerie Boster is wearing a printed dress gathered at the waist to define her figure. Something as simple as a printed dress will help you stand out in a room.

Vogue.com

If a printed dress is too much for you to begin with, a printed skirt or shirt is another way to add print to your wardrobe. Something like this can easily be worn with a solid top or bottom. The Aqua skirt below is filled with color and can be worn with either a solid blue, black, or red top.

bloomingdales.com: Aqua $88

Texture is another way to mix up a simple outfit. The Banana Republic skirt shown below is a black skirt with subtle detailing at the bottom to create a different yet wearable look to work. A skirt like this can be worn with a suit jacket, dress or printed shirt because the color is neutral and the detailing is not overwhelming.

Banana Republic.com $69.99

Tweed is another way to add texture to a basic outfit. Zoe Saldana, shown below, paired a tweed coat with jeans and a white t-shirt to complete her look for the Kid's Choice Award.

Bellmel.com

This Chanel inspired tweed coat can essentially be worn with anything from a dress to leggings, to give it a feminine touch.

celebrityfashion.onsugar.com

fabsugar.com

With any fashion trend, make sure you feel confident in what you're wearing. Confidence is key to pulling off any look and is always in style.

The BHGF: Man Bags

2010-12-17T22:12:00.005-06:00

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

This week, my associate Annaleah wrote about bags for the ladies. From some pictures I have recently seen, I think some people might be confused. And by "some people" I mean men and by "confused" I mean think that they can carry around purses. Allow me to put forth some evidence:

You can pull this off when you are a fashion designer.
Apparently at this point, Marc Jacobs can pretty much wear whatever he wants. Notice the kilt.

I'm guessing this guy thought he was
carrying a messenger bag.
Sorry, but I won't call anything this tiny
and purse-like a messenger bag.
At this size, I will label that an "old man purse."

Tom, man. Why do you have to do things like this?

That's just a pair of pants on his...Wait a second, that's a purse!
Nice try, purse wearing guy.

The only way you could pull off carrying a bag like this is if you are on a
dangerous, treasure-promising expedition.
Adventuring archeologists need bags like this. You don't.

This is why Americans don't like soccer.

Worse than carrying your girlfriend's purse:
Carrying her extra, larger purse.

There are only a couple types of bags that a man should be carrying around. The basic rule of thumb for this is that if it looks like a purse, it is a purse. Or murse (man purse).

This is what you look like whenever you wear a
string backpack, men.

Backpacks are an acceptable form of bag if you are a student or in some sort of casual attire. String backpacks are not acceptable.

Messenger bags are acceptable as long as they are in solid colors and roughly briefcase size (big enough to carry a large laptop).

Briefcases are a bold move, and should only be bandied about if you wear a suit and are an important person. Nice ways to accessorize with a briefcase include slicked back hair, an expensive watch, and engaging in predatory lending practices.

An athletic bag can be carried around but only if you are preparing to, or have just finished, participating in athletic endeavors.

When traveling, you can carry around luggage that can pretty much look like anything. Traveling is one of the times in which you are allowed to carry whatever bag it takes to get the job done. I probably won't pass judgment on you for your luggage choices.

To summarize: If you view yourself as a rugged, masculine individual (much like myself), don't carry a purse.

*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.

More Than Just A Bag, An Investment

2010-12-15T16:50:00.000-06:00

Buying a bag every other week can put a hole in your pocket. But handbags can become an investment when you buy quality bags of various sizes. The different sizes are used for different occasions, such as doing errands or going to the gym. Purchasing quality handbags will cost you the same as buying many of the same size bags. Having a lot of bags will do you no good if you forget that you own them because they are stored away or because you're too lazy to keep switching.

An ideal handbag collection would comprise of a small, medium, and large sized bag.

Small bags are great when you are running errands or going out. This Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody bag allows your hands to be accessible when you're out and about.

bloomingdales.com: Marc by Marc Jacobs $198

This Coach Top Handle Pouch can be transformed from a shoulder bag to a wristlet. The shoulder bag is used during the day, and when converted to a wristlet it can then be used for going out.

Coach.com: $138

Medium sized bags are best for everyday use because you are able to put anything from your lipgloss, coin purse, or camera in there and still have room for a large wallet. This Kate Spade bag has a top zipper so there is no need to worry about anything falling out.

Katespade.com: Kate Spade $172

If you want a medium sized bag with a longer strap, then this Marc Jacobs Quilted bag is suited for you. The bag has ample room but is not too big to use for a night out or for everyday use. Since it has a longer strap, you would have enough room around your arm when you wear a large winter coat.

bloomingdales.com: Marc Jacobs $795

Large bags allow you to pack the extra bulky stuff, such as ballet flats or heels to change into when it snows outside. The Kate Spade bag below has a divider in the middle to help keep you organized when you bring your whole house with you.

Katespade.com: Kate Spade $445

The Longchamp Le Pilage Nylon Tote is a great investment because it is easy to clean and large enough to put a pair of shoes, wallet, and any cosmetics in. It comes in an array of colors such as black, brown, violet, and red.

Bloomingdales.com: Longchamp $145

So when purchasing a pricey handbag, think about it as an investment. It's better to have a couple quality ones than a bunch of cheap imitations.

Dos and Don'ts: Leggings

2010-12-09T12:14:00.001-06:00

I think that every fashion blogger, writer, or executive has discussed the dos and don'ts of leggings, but I don't think everyone has received the message because women are still wearing leggings as pants. Leggings are not pants, they are an accessory located in the hosiery department.

Every now and then, I see women wearing leggings that are either made with a sheer material or worn with a short top. These two fashion don'ts, highlight all your flaws and expose every bit of your bottom to the world, and I'm doubtful that you want to be doing that.

glamour.com

http://laurenroseyt.blogspot.com/

Follow these dos to prevent any fashion mishaps.

Do wear thick, dark colored leggings. Thicker leggings will flatter rather than outline your flaws. Also, darker colored leggings are more forgiving because dark colors give the illusion that thighs and hips are smaller than what they actually are.

bloomingdales.com: Hue $25

Do wear a loose top. A loose top will balance out the outfit rather than making you look like your outfit was painted on because your leggings and top are as tight as can be.

Bloomingdales.com: Juicy Couture $228

Bloomingdales.com: Free People $128

Do wear a longer top that covers your bottom, whether it's a cardigan or basic tee. The world is not interested in how round or flat your butt is, so cover it up.

Bloomingdales.com: Aqua $188

americanapparel.net: $18

Do have fun with leggings of different textures and prints, as long as they are a dark shade.

http://www.collegefashion.net

justjared.buzznet.com

Gift Guide: Part Deux

2010-12-08T00:00:00.000-06:00

If the holiday gifts highlighted last week didn’t suit anyone on your list, then pajamas might do the trick. Pajamas are a basic gift for the holidays because there is a kind for everyone, whether it's a flannel, satin, or jersey set of pajamas.

Pajamas have become trendier by the season. High-end designers have come out with their own sets. Popular pajama sets are from Betsy Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Betsy Johnson does a great job of incorporating colors and patterns into flannel pajamas, so they are ideal for girls, teens, and the young at heart on your list.

Bloomingdales.com: $59

Oscar de la Renta has soft silk pajamas for the women on your list who prefer more luxurious things in life.

Bloomingdales.com: $68

And for everyone else on your list, Marc by Marc Jacobs has jersey pajamas with subdued prints, which will suit anyone.

Bloomingdales.com: $98

The BHGF: Acceptable Winter Attire

2010-12-03T09:27:00.000-06:00

Guest Contributor: Burke Hair*

The Inuit laugh at our "mild" winters

December is when winter begins in earnest here in Chicago (where this blog is currently based). Sure, there is plenty of cold weather in October and November, but December is when the kind of weather that makes you question why you live here kicks in. This is when the dirty snow piles up, the sidewalks and streets are covered in slush, the wind blows straight through your soul, the cold digs deep into your bones and doesn't ever leave, all the moisture inside your nose starts to freeze, your lips peel like a snake shedding its skin, your eyes are constantly watery - you get the picture.

It's cold, dark, and sad. The only thing that saves the city from falling into a deep, collective depression is the holidays, which bring just enough goodwill to stave off Winter's brutal psychological effects. That and the off chance that the Bears have playoff hopes (this is the year!).

Annaleah has a post up about winter jackets that can help keep you warm and fashionable this season. That's nice but we all know that at a certain point, it gets so cold that clothing choices go from fashionable to survival. This is the point that it becomes acceptable to put on your super warm, super ugly clothes and just worry about making it to your destination. The nice part is that everyone understands and gives you a pass for your terrible fashion decisions.

When is it OK to look like this?

But when exactly is this point? How can we define it? Is there anyone brave enough, wise enough, and handsome enough to make this call?

My answers: I'll tell you; Wait and see; I have someone in mind.

After minutes of careful deliberation amongst myself, I believe that this point can be defined as such: 13 degrees. If the temperature - the actual temperature, not the windchill - is 13 degrees or below, it's fine to wear pretty much whatever you want to stay warm. With the bone-chilling wind (which finds a way to cut through everything you're wearing like a ninja's katana) gusting and the temperature this low, there is no shame in unflattering attire. However, if it is warmer than 13 degrees, all of your fashion choices shall be judged harshly and without compassion. You have been warned.

Note: Major fashion points go to those that can ignore the weather and look good even in these cold, spirit-crushing conditions.

Is it ever OK to look this creepy?

Holiday Gift Guide

2010-12-01T01:11:00.000-06:00

It's not too early to start your holiday gift shopping with these fun items in mind.

Echo Thinsulate Sporty Nylon Glove is for the tech savvy person on your shopping list. The gloves keep your hands warm but also allowing you to text because the thumb and pointer finger have a special padding to enable you to text on any phone. It comes in the three colors shown below (twilight, olive, and black):

Bloomingdales.com: $42

Hunter "Regent" Nylon Rain Boots for the fashion forward person on your gift list. These boots are great for rainy and snowy days because the water will slide off and not ruin the boots. The boots are structured like riding boots, which makes then fashionable and practical.

Bloomingdales.com: $150

And for the man on your list, a plaid shirt is the ideal gift. A fitted plaid shirt will keep him warm when

it gets cooler outside and stylish because it can be worn with jeans and a blazer for an everyday look. But make sure that it is a fitted shirt because you don't want him looking like the Brawny man!

ae.com: $44.50

thecampussocialite.com

Be on the look out for more holiday gift ideas as it gets closer to the holidays!

Miracle in a Jar

2010-11-30T00:34:00.001-06:00

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

2010-11-29T13:13:00.000-06:00

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

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

2010-11-26T15:43:00.001-06:00

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

Man Scarf

2010-11-22T10:57:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-19T08:10:00.003-06:00

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.

Examine This

2010-11-18T21:41:00.001-06:00

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

2010-11-17T00:44:00.002-06:00

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

2010-11-16T08:56:00.000-06:00

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 $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

2010-11-15T12:24:00.000-06:00

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.