Hello Kitty for Boys

My daughter loves Hello Kitty. Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty, Hello Kitty… the cute cuddly white bubble-headed feline decorates just about every square inch of her room and at times her body too. From toys to tees, jeans to jewelry, bedding to bags, watches to window clings, lipstick to laundry baskets, and everything in between, that cat has invaded our living space and it doesn’t so much as meow (thank goodness). With all that its creators—-Japan’s Sanrio Co.—-have done to commercialize Hello Kitty you’d think their latest move would have come a long time ago. According to company spokespeople, Sanrio plans … Continue reading →

Unique Holiday Gifts—Shower Friendly Suit and Say It With a Shirt

When it comes to being clever, fashion designers in Japan are hard to beat. Just wait until you learn what one Japanese clothing company has created for the lazy… ahem, I mean, busy corporate folks who don’t have time to take their suits to the dry cleaner. No time to get your suit professionally cleaned? Never mind, just take it to your bathroom and hang it in your shower. It’s no joke. The clothing company Konaka has just unveiled a one-of-a-kind “Shower Clean” line of business suits, which can be washed in a warm shower and require no ironing. According … Continue reading →

How TV and Movies Have Infiltrated the World of Toys

There are two items on my 3-year-old’s Christmas list that she would be crushed if Santa did not bring her—-a minivan for her dollhouse and Squawkers McCaw the talking parrot. Interestingly, they are among the only toys in all of Toyland that are not tied to a movie or TV show. (Though, for the amount of times we’ve seen that Squawkers commercial, he might as well have had his own TV show.) If you have children or are shopping for kids this Christmas, you understand what I’m talking about. From action figures to bicycles to books, stuffed animals, Play-Doh and … Continue reading →

Fashion Trends-—Getting It Right For Your Holiday Party

Are you still searching for just the right outfit to wear to your next holiday party? Yesterday I provided tips on what to wear to informal family gatherings and low-key office parties. But, if you’ve been lucky enough to score an invite to a fancy black-tie event or a cocktail party, a soft turtleneck sweater and khakis are not going to cut it. That’s where the following holiday fashion trends might come in handy. Holiday Fashion Trend #1—-Red Dresses. To avoid looking like a version of Mrs. Claus you might want to stick with a sexy fitted number. Regardless, the … Continue reading →

Fashion Tips for Holiday Parties

What are you wearing to your next holiday party? I’ve got another Christmas shindig coming up on Saturday night. It’s just an annual get together with a group of friends I used to work with. There’ll be lots of kids and lots of food, which means I don’t need to break out my black strapless sequined number and mile-high Manolos (wait, I don’t even own Manolos). Regardless of whether you are attending an office party, family get-together, neighborhood potluck or a black tie affair this holiday season, you’ve probably spent some time wondering what you’re going to wear. Different occasions … Continue reading →

How Celebrities Deal with the Cold Weather

And you thought you were the only one battling chapped lips and cracked skin… Turns out some of Hollywood’s biggest names are having a hard dealing with the elements at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. I suppose leaving California’s balmy temps for the chilly slopes of Utah could have a negative affect on a star’s skin. Oh the horror of trying to look picture perfect when you are suffering from flaky skin. Of course, not all celebs are having a hard time maintaining their flawless complexions in Utah’s freezing temps. Some stars have cold weather beauty secrets that help them … Continue reading →

Fashion Files: Winning Dress Revealed and Paris Does China

Just in time for the holidays you can look runway ready in a dress that made its debut on national television. “Project Runway” contestant Victorya Hong made history on last week’s episode when actress Sarah Jessica Parker chose her super short dress to appear as part of her Bitten line sold at Steve & Barry stores nationwide. The “Sex and the City” star was the week’s guest judge on the Bravo reality show about fashion and told viewers that Hong’s design was by far the best one of the group. Hong (who was paired with Kevin Christiana) and the other … Continue reading →

Fashionable and Eco-Friendly

The gift-giving season is upon us and if you are looking for the perfect present to give your environmentally friendly pals or family members you are in luck. This year there are more “green” items on the market than ever before. And eco-friendly celebrities are making a beeline for them. If you are looking to add a little more “green” to your red and green holiday, consider picking up a the following items: ECO-FRIENDLY TOTES Celebs from Marcia Cross to Rihanna and Jennifer Aniston have been seen around Tinseltown carrying chic reusable shopping bags available at Charles and Marie. They … Continue reading →

Fashion Trends: Tattoos for Moms

If you don’t think the trend exists then you haven’t been to the beach or an amusement park on a 90-degree day recently. That’s where you’ll see them in full view. The hearts, the names, the swirls and twirls inked in birthstone colors. I’m referring to tattoos, tats, skin art, whatever you call them; they are showing up in increasing numbers on the arms and legs of… moms. That’s right; no longer are tattoos the exclusive trademark of bikers and sailors. A new study shows of the quarter of Americans from ages 18 to 50 that sport tattoos, more than … Continue reading →

Your Classic Rock T-shirt Could be Worth a Fortune

Come on… admit it… whether it’s in the back of your closet or on the back of your youngest son you’ve got a classic rock and roll T-shirt somewhere in your home. You know the ones blazoned with the Rolling Stones logo or a classic black Pink Floyd tee. If you have an original one, get it off the bottom of your closet because those vintage frocks are worth more than you might realize. A collection of 30 vintage rock and roll T-shirts is being sold to the highest bidder this month at Christie’s auction house in New York where … Continue reading →