Shopping Cart Confidential - MSN Shopping

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

There are few things in life that bring me more joy than attending a close friend or family member's wedding. Although, with four weddings down this year and three more to go, my tears of happiness are starting to be replaced with tears of frustration over what to wear to the next set of nuptials. I decided it was necessary to call in the big guns for some advice and inspiration. After chatting with Angie Miller, principal proprietor of The Little Black Dress, Toronto-based personal shoppers and image consultants, I've determined that I'm definitely too chicken to pull off the latest hat trend, but I may be warming up to the idea of sporting a feather in my hair.

Here are 5 tips from Angie that will have you looking super stylish at your next wedding without stealing the bride's thunder:

Dress to Impress: T-length dresses as well as ones with chiffon in them are really hot for summer weddings this year. You may also see dresses with plenty of embellishment around the waist, whether it's a waist band, a ribbon, or fabric that is manipulated or twisted so that it’s wrapped around the waist.

Bring on the Bling: You can never fail with diamond, crystal or rhinestone accessories, anything that brings some bling to a wedding. Floral rings are also very popular for guests this season. Same goes for shoes, the more shine or glitter the better. Especially popular are shoes with glittery broaches at the front.

Hats On: Hats have made a comeback this summer and can really set you apart. Whether it's a more casual beach wedding or even a sophisticated city ceremony, dressy hats are uber-chic for '09.

Follow that Bird: Feathers are especially hot, whether it's in a headband, on the hat or even pinned into the hair. This accessory will definitely prove to other guests that you've been doing your fashion homework.

Avoid Matchy Matchy Purses: Purses should not match your dress, period. If you're going to stay current, you should have something that's more complimentary to the ensemble. If you’re wearing a black dress you might choose a fuschia or red coloured beaded clutch or something that has a lot of bling, shine and drama to it.

What's your favourite summer '09 wedding look?

Related links:

• 2009 Wedding Guide
• Tips to Avoid Turning into Bridezilla
• Picking the Perfect Wedding Band

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

At least the heat is finally off Jessica Simpson. The U.S. President is taking time out from selling his health care plan to explain why he wore 'mom jeans' while throwing out the first pitch at an All-Star Game. “I am a little frumpy," he admitted. "Those jeans are comfortable, and for those of you who want your president to look great in his tight jeans, I’m sorry - I’m not the guy. It just doesn’t fit me. I’m not 20.” Not so fast Mr. President - we think you would look just fine in tight jeans. And seeing as your wife just debuted a sleek new hair style, we think it's only fitting that you upgrade your pant collection. May we suggest a few options? A pair of stylish 575 Bootcut Washed Denim Jeans will bring you straight into 2009 but if you want to take baby steps, LL Bean's Signature Natural Fit Jeans will make the transition a little less jarring. Oh, and we know you "don't like to shop," but if you want to procrastinate just a little bit from propping up the economy, you can check out some other stylish options.

(AP Photo)

Related links:

• What makes Mrs. O smell so darn good?
• What the U.S. First Lady is refusing to wear
• What do Michelle Obama and Usain Bolt have in common?

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Having healthy, vibrant hair helps make a great first impression which is bad news for me because my straw-like mop is probably scaring people away lately. After a lengthy consultation with Christine Singh-Gaglia, an owner at ONE Salon + Boutique Inc., she came to the conclusion that I burned my hair through the improper use of my flat iron. She cut my hair, used a deep conditioning treatment and prescribed a mask to use twice a week. My latest hair debacle (and there have been many) got me to thinking about other little known truths about maintaining a healthy head of hair. I asked Singh-Gaglia to share some of her best stylist secrets:

1. Natural Products Aren't Always Better

Natural does not always mean better, nor does it mean it will meet the needs of your hair. Many so-called natural products are not natural at all. There is very little regulation in the natural health market so companies are able to market their products whichever way the like. There are, however, some very reputable hair care products that have moved away from using harsh ingredients and are committed to providing products that are sulfate, DEA and paraben-free. The next thing to consider is the type of haircare product that your hair requires. Fine hair needs volume, weak hair needs protein and dry hair needs moisture. It is important to use the correct haircare products on your hair in order to keep your hair looking healthy and manageable.

2. Caution When Combing Conditioner Through Hair

To get the most from your conditioner, you need to work it well into the hair. This may be achieved by using your fingers or by using a wide-tooth comb. While it not recommended to comb wet hair with an average comb, the teeth on a wide-tooth comb are spaced out enough to ensure that hair does not get damaged. Not only will this work through your conditioner but it will detangle your hair as well. Look for a comb who’s teeth are about ¼ inch apart.

3. Limit Flat or Curling Iron Use to Once or Twice a Week

Flat irons and curling irons are often necessary in order to achieve the desired style. Keep in mind, however, that these tools are very hot, much hotter than anything our hair was meant to endure. In order to keep your hair in optimal condition, use a heat-protecting spray prior to applying the hot tool. Remember to adjust the heat setting as required for your hair type. Simply using the hottest setting may damage your hair, while using the correct lowered temperature will achieve the same look without the damage. Processed hair requires less heat. Most importantly, limit the frequency in which you use a hot tool. No more than once or twice a week.

4. Certain Hair Types Should Only be Washed Once a Week

Hair density, texture, condition as well as your lifestyle, will play a factor in how often your hair requires
washing. By washing your hair everyday, it removes your natural oil often resulting in, dry frizzy hair.  This oil, called sebum, is necessary as it keeps the scalp and the hair from drying out. It is recommended that you wash your hair two-to-three times per week at the most. Thick, coarse or curly hair may only require washing once a week, while fine hair may require three times a week. If you must wash your hair more often it is imperative to restore the removed oils with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

5. Masks Aren't Just for Your Face

While hair contains no living tissue, there are ways to make it appear lustrous and healthier. One way to do this is by using a hair conditioning mask. There are many types to choose from, so identifying what needs to be addressed is the first step. Dry, brittle hair requires moisture, while weak, limp hair requires protein. Consistency is key with these products. Once or twice a week for about six weeks will truly demonstrate the progress that your hair is making. Keep in mind that over time, the needs of your hair may change, and hair that once required a protein mask, may now require a moisture mask.

What are your secrets to healthy looking hair?

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

For those who of you who see the world through environmentally friendly green eyes, keep reading. For those of you who don't, we'll let you die of curiosity by skipping the rest of this blog. Designer Jhane Barnes has launched a new line of frames that incorporate organic, recycled material into their production. The acetate arms of the rectangle frames make use of laminated recycled wood pulp, with 30 per cent recycled scrap. The demo lenses are made of corn, the biodegradable alternative to the industry standard petroleum-based lenses. Packaging includes a backing card made from 100% recycled paper. And yes, you can go ahead and ask. Do we have to sacrifice our vanity in the name of Mother Earth? Apparently not. “When we began the search for environmentally-conscious eyeglasses, we were not sure what they would look like," says Steve Wallace of Clearly Contacts. "We came across the Jhane Barnes Collection and knew immediately that we had to offer these frames, they are very stylish." You can decide for yourself by comparing the 'green' collection with other designer eyewear in the $100 price range.

Related links:

• All-natural sunscreen
• All-natural beauty products
• Green is the new black

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

Fashion magazines (and major news networks on occasion) have been feverishly following the U.S. First Lady's choices in clothing and shoes since her husband set out on the campaign trail. It made the headlines when she gardened in her Pumas and when she took a stand against fur they practically stopped the presses. So it's really no surprise that there is now an interest in what makes Mrs.O smell so darn good. According to Fashionweekdaily.com, Creed's Love In White is Michelle's current scent of choice. The fragrance is made up of orange zest from Spain, white jasmine from Italy, daffodils from France, magnolia from Guatemala and sandalwood from India, a very worldly mix fitting for the world traveller that she's become lately.

Related links:

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

My home office consists of a pretty pink laptop on the dining room table with an assortment of notes, calendars, recording equipment and books strewn all around. (It makes for a lengthy cleanup before dinner parties.) There are more files, magazines and books spread between the bedroom and the den as well. Lately I've been desperate to make my workspace more functional so I decided to enlist some expert advice. If anyone knows a thing (or ten) about building an effective home office it's Debra Gould. The Staging Diva is renowned for her home decorating skills, but she also has first-hand experience with her own home office, having built her successful international staging company from the comfort of her spare bedroom.

Here are Debra's 10 tips for making your home office more functional:

1: Work at an L-shaped desk: If you put your computer in the corner and you’re sitting at the apex of the L-shaped desk, it gives you lots of space on either side to work and spread out files. It also makes a small space work much better.

2: Use wall-mounted bookcases: They are especially functional in a small room so that you’re not taking up a lot of floor space.

3: Wear a headset: If you use a telephone headset while speaking with clients, your hands are free to take notes at the same time.

4: Get proper back support: Using an office chair with proper lumbar support is crucial when sitting for hours at a time and makes you more efficient in the long run because you will have less back trouble.

5: Use cord organizers: You can wrap all your cords around and put them in a compact unit. Most cord organizers now allow you to label them ahead of time to keep everything organized.

6: Invest in proper lighting: Most people with home offices don't normally limit their schedule to daylight hours so having good light at night is important so that you aren't sitting at your desk casting a shadow over everything. You may already have a ceiling fixture but it might be helpful to have a lamp on the desk as well.

7: Personalize your space: Having music playing, attractive art on the wall and fresh flowers on the desk will make sitting there a lot more pleasant.

8: Stay on top of clutter: Rather than having piles of messy papers everywhere that continuously stress you out, use binders with tabs for certain projects that you need to refer to frequently. House them on a shelf that you can reach without having to get up from your desk. Folders should be kept handy as well so that you can file bills or other paperwork away immediately without having them pile up or get lost in the office.

9: Use extra closet space: If your bedroom doubles as a home office and you don't need your entire closet for clothes, consider putting in shelves in the wasted space in order to give you plenty of extra storage capacity. Put extra binders in there as well as baskets to store office supplies that normally clutter up your desk drawers. Magazine racks can also be put on the closet shelves and can be used to organize back issues of magazines or important manuals.

10: Separate work from play: Try to keep all of your office material out of the other rooms in your home. Even if they migrate there throughout the day it's important to put them back in the office at night, otherwise your whole home begins to feel like an office and you can never have that separation.

What are your methods for maintaining a successful home office?

Related links:

• Become your own CEO
• Building a successful home office

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

One of my friends refers to her post-war bungalow as "Taj Masmall" because of its modest size. Her favourite pastime is changing the paint colours or re-arranging furniture to give the illusion of more space. She was recently blown away by photos of a mutual friend's two bedroom condo that were posted on Facebook after it went up for sale. It was an exceptional example of how to make the best of a small space and yes, it sold right away after receiving several offers. Here are some of the techniques my seller friend used to make her home look much more spacious:

Light Paint Colours: This rule is pretty standard (I think even my two-year-old knows that darker colours make a room look smaller). My friend used Benjamin Moore's Salsbury Green paint colour throughout most of her condo, which was light and reflective and helped to maximize the effect created by natural light.

Don't Overpower a Space: Rather than having big, overstuffed furniture, my friend chose simple, slim pieces that were also multifunctioning and helped to hide any disorder. A compact sofa-bed in the living room could be used for guests who slept over and an ottoman doubled as a coffee table while discreetly storing clutter inside. The flat-screen TV was mounted to the wall to avoid taking up too much space.

Embrace Natural Light: Luckily my friend had three big windows in her living room so it was easy to welcome in the natural light which opened up the room. The rule of thumb is that window coverings should be sheer or pulled back to allow more light to filter through. If you don't have a lot of natural light, some lighting fixtures in the room can make a big difference, although avoid large lamps in favour of wall lighting or track lighting which won't overcrowd a room.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall: It's no secret that mirrors can make your room look larger. Make sure you really put it to work by choosing a focal point and angling your mirrors towards it. It should give the illusion of more depth. It's even better if your mirror is near a window so the outdoors can be reflected too. Glass tabletops are also great options because they make it seem like there’s a more open flow in the room.

Related links:

• Expert tips for staging your home
• A living room makeover for less
• 3 TV-inspired interiors

What are some of your best decorating secrets?

By Jackie Burns Sympatico/MSN Shopping Contributor

Unless you renew your wedding vows each year a la Heidi Klum and Seal, buying sentimental anniversary gifts is probably the best way to honour your marriage and keep the flames of passion burning.

For the major milestone anniversaries, there are traditional and modern guidelines that have been used to promote romantic gift-giving over the years. Here are some of the popular modern choices that will have your spouse thanking their lucky stars they married you!

5 years & 25 years: Silver

While the 25th anniversary is known as the "Silver Anniversary," after five years of marriage, the modern gift suggestion is also silver-based. Picture frames, candlesticks or watches make great silver gift ideas. (Note: Framing a beautiful photo of you and your spouse and actually using the candlesticks over a romantic dinner will help bring about the desired affect!)

10 years: Diamonds

If you haven't given your spouse diamonds since your engagement, then your 10-year anniversary is a great time to shower her all over again with a diamond anniversary band, bracelet, ring, necklace or watch. It will bring back memories of the early days when she just couldn't take her eyes off her new sparkler - or her fiance!

15 years: Watch

A classic timepiece is the suggested gift for the 15-year-mark. Like wedding rings are great reminders of the bond of marriage, anniversary watches can signify just how much time you've braved together as a couple! There are several different options for men's and women's watches.

20 years: Platinum

Platinum is an extremely rare metal and more precious than even gold or silver. It's fitting then that it's the suggested gift for the incredible milestone that is 20 years! Make sure you remind your spouse just how precious they are when you present them with platinum earrings, a bracelet or ring.   

40 years: Ruby

Both traditional and modern gift suggestions for this anniversary involve the ruby gemstone and it's not hard to see why it's stood the test of time. Like red roses and hearts, ruby jewelry simply exudes passion. Choose from ruby earrings, necklaces, rings or brooches.

50 Years: Gold

Also known as the "Golden Anniversary," those who make it 50 years together definitely deserve a gold medal! Other thoughtful gold gifts include watches, bracelets and necklaces or jewelry boxes.

What are some of your most memorable anniversary gifts?