Shopping Cart Confidential - MSN Shopping

Normally Modest Plaid Shirt Guns for the Spotlight

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Be prepared to see plenty of plaid this fall as the normally modest patterned cloth appears to be gunning for the spotlight. "It's all about the plaid shirt," says Toronto stylist Joan Cordoba-Petraglia. "The plaid that's coming back in is the lumber jack look from the 80s." Finally, all of Mary-Kate Olsen's hard work has paid off! Although, the grunge-loving fashion designer can't take all the credit for the latest trend. For the most part, we have a deflated economy to thank (or blame) for the movement. Plaid shirts represent a strong work ethic and during periods of high unemployment, we are desperate to appear ready and willing to work at a moment's notice! (Although, the last I checked the criteria for EI didn't extend to wardrobe choices.) There are several variations this fall on the standard plaid shirt including plenty of ruffles, says Cordoba-Petraglia. She says women can also have fun with the look by pairing up the shirt with a pencil skirt, some blingy jewelry, a status bag and trendy sunglasses. "It totally dresses it up," she says.

Plaid: love it or hate it?

"Eat Pray Love" Reveals Incredible Power of Meditation

By Jackie Burns, Shopping Contributor

Learning how to meditate has been on my list of things to do for a while now after hearing over and over from health experts just how powerful the effects can be not only mentally but physically too. After finishing Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling novel "Eat Pray Love" last night (which you must read if you haven't already), there is absolutely no doubt left in my mind about the power of meditation. (I just feel bad for the poor woman seated next to me on the plane over the weekend who had to bear witness to the ugly cry as I became a full-on believer mid-way through the book.) Now comes the task of finding the right book that will help guide me gently into my own spiritual journey which I have to admit is slightly daunting. On her website, Gilbert recommends books by Buddhists Pema Chodren and Jack Kornfield. I've also been steered towards the following titles: Wherever You Go There You Are, Mindfulness in Plain English and Guided Mindfulness Meditation.

Do you practice meditation? What tools did you use to help get you started?

Other books by Elizabeth Gilbert: Stern Men, Last American Man

Is Pregnancy the New Chanel Bag?

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

The Yummy Mummy population is set to spike dramatically this year with supermodels Karolina Kurkova, Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum all expecting. Kurkova, who plays a runway model-turned-spy in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra" is busy spreading the word to those women of child-baring age who didn't already get the memo: "You know, it's probably the new thing to be pregnant. It's not to have the Chanel python bag. It's to be pregnant," she says. Thankfully, maternity wear has progressed greatly over the past few years so these style-conscious models don't have to sacrifice their fashion sense while helping to beautify the planet's gene pool. While it used to be that you either hid away for nine months or braved the tacky polka dot maternity tops, now it's all about flaunting your changing body shape with some of the sexiest fashions. From stylish maternity jeans to flirty wrap dresses to form-fitting halter-tops and trendy cropped pants no wonder so many models are running to get knocked up. And who says you have to forget your rocker roots just because you're with child? Ramones t-shirts, Violent Femmes hoodies or Bon Jovi tube tops ensure you never lose your edge. Even after the baby comes along and you're feeling like a one-woman milk factory, stylish nursing tops and dresses will keep you at the forefront of fashion while making it easier to feed more discreetly too.

Related links:

• Four pregnancy comfort tips
• Pregnancy reading material
• Browse more maternity wear

(AP Photo)

No Tears Here over the Looming Death of Heels

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

My fashion-forward mom recently wrote on the chalk board in her kitchen: "I have failed as a mother. Both of my children wear Birkenstocks." I waved the white flag at the footwear fashion police over the past couple of years and caved to comfort when endless hours of strolling-pushing made it absolutely essential. It didn't help that my feet expanded to look like flippers after I had my son so my options dwindled greatly and the stylish stilettos that have saturated the market just weren't realistic. So it was with great relief that I read the following glorious headline in the UK Times: "Heels are dead - Long live flats!" Now I just need Karl Lagerfeld to endorse yoga pants for fall and I'm back in the game. Apparently, there are several factors behind the looming death of 7-inch heels and the move back to flats. Britain's Trades Union Congress recently announced that heels are demeaning to women and should not be worn in the office. Showy heels are also less appealing as a depressed economy moves towards a more understated style. French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld even wore flats at the Cannes Film Festival which was a statement in itself coming from a woman who once admitted to wearing heels with her track pants. While ballet flats     have been a staple now for years, expect to see flats with a harder, more masculine edge including plenty of boyish penny loafers.

Will you be lining up to kick your heels to the curb?

Brace Yourself for Wave of Harry Potter-Inspired Glasses

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Although we may find some trends positively horrid at first, they often have a way of growing on us thanks to a mix of celebrity endorsements and mass retail exposure. While I used to think gladiator sandals were the ugliest joke, I've come to appreciate their influence on fashion. (Either that or I've been brainwashed.) I will however, never understand the latest trend in eyewear that is taking over Europe: Harry Potter-inspired glasses. My friend dressed up as the famous wizard for Halloween one year and despite being a beautiful girl, that look is NOT flattering (see photo.) Elin Westin, of Clearly Contacts' Swedish brand Lensway, says the latest trend is slowly starting to spread to North America after making its mark in Europe. "Round shaped frames have been growing in popularity in the European market for a year now," she says. "Starting with sunglasses and slowly transitioning to eyeglasses, the smaller round shaped frames with an academic look and retro feel have become increasingly popular." Please God, no! Celebrities like Johnny Depp and Kate Hudson have already been spotted rocking the round so I think it's too late to shut down the borders. "Our offices have received many requests from customers asking for round glasses in our next collection, and they will play a bigger role in our range of products for the coming year in Europe.” Great. I was willing to swallow geek-chic but this is where I draw the line. I'm of the strong opinion than when it comes to eyewear, you can definitely embrace new styles, but it's imperative that you stick to pairs that works best for your own features. (Not Harry Potter, Not Harry Potter.) Whether it's vintage rectangular frames, pastel coloured glasses or even eyewear that falls under the recessionista movement because of their affordable price points, whatever you do, don't get sucked into a trend that makes people think you've dressed up early for Halloween.

Related links:

• Virtual mirror helps avoid eyewear trainwreck
• JT brings back geek-chic

Taylor Swift Goes Animated for "Band Hero"

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Christmas is coming early this year for Taylor Swift fans. Come November 3 they'll get the chance to perform on stage with their idol - in a virtual world of course. An animated Swift will be making her video game debut in "Band Hero," the latest video game from Activision, the makers of "Guitar Hero." Fans can live out their own musical fantasy, playing such hits as "Love Story" or "You Belong to Me" from Swift's debut album which made her the best-selling artist of 2008. "Anything that encourages people to pick up an instrument and play, I'm fully behind," Swift said in a statement. "And I'm really excited about 'Band Hero,' because not only are fans getting to play my songs, but I'm actually in the game." The Source by Circuit City's Evan Trapp says while "Guitar Hero" is more of a hard core rock and roll game that caters to the 18+ demographic, "Band Hero" is geared towards families or younger groups with a rating of 10+. "The biggest thing is having actual stars in the game which makes it a lot more appealing to the younger crowd," says Trapp. "They can have Taylor Swift singing and then they are playing the guitar so it’s like they are playing along with her. It's almost like they are in the band." Trapp says both "Band Hero" and the upcoming "Guitar Hero 5" allow you to have as many vocalists or guitarists as you like which makes for more flexibility. If you aren't quite sold on Swift, "Band Hero" will also let you channel other artists like Lily Allen, Jackson 5, the All-American Rejects and No Doubt. The game will retail for $49.99, about $10 cheaper than "Guitar Hero."

Related links:

• Most popular video games

AP Photo
 

'Virtual Mirror' Helps Avoid Eyewear Trainwreck

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Gone are the days when you had to rely on the store clerk's biased opinion when purchasing eyewear and then live with the terrible consequences for years to come. Thanks to some cool new technology, if you look like a geek, your trusted friends and family will have a chance to tell you the hard truth before it's too late. (Or, in the example to the left, you will see the disaster for yourself and run far, far away!) Clearly Contacts has launched a Virtual Mirror which allows you to upload your photo and try on hundreds of eyeglass styles. Once you've narrowed down your top selections, you can then turn around and share the images with friends and family using Facebook, Twitter, blogs or emails. It's a great way to solicit feedback on the various looks and far less obvious than traipsing through the store with a new pack of friends/image consultants every day of the week. (Make sure you throw in a few bad ones too just to see who your real friends are!) Buying glasses online has always been a cheaper alternative but up until now it was considered a pretty risky venture. Thanks to the new tool and a "no hassle" return policy, the gamble factor has pretty much been removed. Roger Hardy, Clearly Contacts’ Founder and CEO, says many customers are beginning to view glasses as a fashion accessory because their eyewear starts at just $38 a pair.

Related links:

• Top 10 sunglasses
• JT brings geek chic back
• Women's sunglasses: best fits for your face