Sexiest Man Alive Seduces with Tinted Specs

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

Justin Timberlake may brag about bringing sexy back, but Johnny Depp fans know it never left. (It was just hiding out for a while in the French countryside.) And while JT may be the famous face of geek chic glasses, the Sexiest Man Alive of 2009 has been making women young and old swoon over his specs for years. Most recently, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star has been rocking the tinted glasses look, which is an eyewear trend most suited for those with big personalities, says Jenny Harvey, communications manager at Clearly Contacts. (Tinting can be added to any glasses when choosing your prescription.) "Clearly Johnny Depp has a lot of personality and can pull anything off but if you want to go for a milder version of his blue tint, you can try grey, which is the most popular tint colour,” she says. “It’s important to choose a pair of frames that show off your personality. They are one of the first things people see when they meet you.”  For guys hoping to piggy-back on Johnny's "je ne sais quoi" the first place to start would definitely be some Depp-inspired eyewear like these Giorgio Armani specs, this Birka model or these Dockers glasses. 

Related links:

• Browse for men's and women's glasses
• People's sexiest men through the years
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(CP Photo)

 

Get Kristen Stewart's Look in Five Simple Steps

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

"Twilight" actress Kristen Stewart has been glamming it up on European red carpets leading up to Friday's North American premiere of "New Moon," but the 19-year-old starlet's personal style is far more casual in nature. This is great news for the Twihards who want to replicate Kristen's look because it doesn't take much time and effort getting ready and it certainly won't break the bank either! Here are five pieces inspired by Bella's real-life wardrobe:

Skinny jeans: You'd be hard-pressed to find a photo of Miss Stewart in her down-time wearing anything other than a pair of denim pants. Skinny jeans definitely appear to be her bottoms of choice.

Casual t-shirts: We doubt this girl has ever worn a blouse, unless maybe for a movie role or when her mom still dressed her. These days, it's all about the casual punk-inspired t-shirts.

Loose-fitting sweatshirts: Of course, K-Stew almost always covers her t-shirts with loose-fitting sweatshirts, as the cherry on top of her grungy look.

Flannel patterned shirts: When she's not rocking the sweatshirt over t-shirt combo, you'll almost always find the '90s loving star in a flannel patterned shirt.

Converse running shoes: Robert Pattinson's rumoured main squeeze never leaves the house without first slipping on a  pair of Converse or Keds-style running shoes, so ditch the heels if you're serious about becoming Bella.

(CP Photo)

Related links:

• Gallery: "New Moon" red carpet style
• Sneak peek at "The Twilight Saga: New Moon"
• Director spills details on Rob & Kristen's romance 

Ruffles Running Rampant Among Glitterati

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

One could have made a great drinking game out of last Sunday night's episode of Desperate Housewives. However, if you took a swig each time one of the women of Wisteria Lane appeared wearing ruffles, it would have made for a very messy Monday morning. The set of the ABC hit drama isn't the only place ruffles are running rampant. While they've been on the radar for a while now, the popular style appears to have reached fever pitch for the 2009 holiday season. R&B star Rihanna, who has been rocking ruffles for a couple of years, proved she's still a loyal fan of the uber-feminine look when she appeared in a white floor-length ruffle-infused gown at Glamour magazine's "Women of the Year" event last night in NYC. Ruffle dresses, skirts, blouses and handbags are all fashion-forward options that will allow you to play the style card while embracing your inner girly-girl this festive season.

Related links:

• 4 Rules for the Office Holiday Party
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• What message are your clothes sending?

(CP Photo)
 

Does Your Bra Wardrobe Stack Up?

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

We've all been guilty of performing one bra faux-pas or another at some stage in our lives. Whether it's the white bra under white t-shirt no-no, the "wow it must be cold in here" no-no, or my own personal favourite where you realize your trusty undergarment wasn't so trusty upon uploading the X-rated photos no-no. Tamara Glick, founder of Trademark Image Consulting, says you can avoid many of these all-too common brassiere blow-ups by maintaining a basic but well-stocked bra wardrobe.

Here are Tamara's suggested bra essentials:

Three to four regular day bras: These are bras that are seamless and very plain. You should have one or two seamless bras in black and two in a flesh tone that matches your particular colouring. This can range from a blush colour if you're very pale to a cocoa colour if you've got a really rich skin tone. They would be suitable under any regular t-shirt, blouse or even a sweater and provide no lines that would be detected outside of your clothing. A slightly moulded cup will ensure you won't be a walking temperate gauge when you enter a room!

A push-up bra: Like a sexy pair of jeans, every woman needs at least one push-up bra. Opting for one with a lower front will come in handy when wearing a top with a lower décolleté. Plus, who doesn't like a little added lift now and then?

At least one athletic bra or sports bra: Depending on how often you're active, you may need an entire wardrobe worth of sports bras that provide enough support while you're sweating at the gym.

A strapless or convertible bra: Most strapless bras nowadays are convertible; they come with detachable straps and those allow you to create a halter neck, one shoulder or criss-cross back. It also gives you the opportunity to feel secure in having straps that match whatever neck line you are wearing.

A long line bra: This style of bra is one that most people today don’t give much credit to but they can be really handy in creating a very smooth look under a dress or a tight-fitting top.

A sexy bra: No explanation needed for having a bra that is strictly for fun!

Editor's note: Some of the early commenters on this entry have mentioned that they have trouble finding bras in larger sizes, no matter what the style. Our bra section has many bras in larger sizes, particularly those being sold by The Shopping Channel. A few commenters have mentioned finding out that they were wearing the wrong size of bra, and found much-better fitting bras after learn what their real bra size is. According to some experts, close to half of women wear the wrong size of bra. For more on this topic, you can watch the following report on MSN Video: Bust a move: Expert tips for the perfect fit. --f

Related links:

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Hats off to Winter: 5 Stylish Options

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

I'm not going to sit here and try to sell you on all the reasons why winter is so fabulous. I agree, the season sucks. There is however, one small part of me that gets excited about the coming cold for no other reason than it's hat season. In the summer, the minute you put on a protective visor you lose some serious street cred, whereas winter hats are a must-have fashion accessory. Here are 5 stylish options that will have you looking fantastic despite being cold and miserable!

 Wool roll hat: Not only are wool hats super stylish this winter, they are also very practical. Fleece may try its darndest but nothing beats wool for keeping you warm and toasty on a cold January morning.

Beret: These babies aren't just for Monica Lewinsky and the French. Berets allow you to show off your dramatic side but should be saved for those warmer winter days because they don't cover your ears.

Beanie hat: A little more casual and playful, beanie hats are perfect for those who actually like winter and celebrate by skiing, skating or snowboarding in the great outdoors.

Newsboy hat: My personal favourite, the newsboy hat, acts as a stylish accessory while still protecting you from the harsh winter elements. Frist dibs on the leopard print one!

Waffle hat: It's like something your grandmother would have knit for you only more hip. Waffle hats are comfy and casual, especially if you opt for the cashmere variety.

Related links:

• Browse for more winter hats
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• 10 designer coats we love

All the Cool Kids are Wearing Cardigans

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

Watch your back Michelle Obama - looks like you have some stiff competition for your Queen of the Cardigan title. Mrs. O may have resurrected the buttoned sweater thanks to her revolving door of stylish cardigans but actress Katie Holmes appears to have lodged an underground campaign to take the crown out from under her. Not a day goes by that Mrs. Tom Cruise isn't spotted wearing a different variation of the comfy sweater, whether it's over a long flowing dress, with boyfriend jeans or paired with a more elegant skirt and blouse. In fact, we dare you to find us a photo where the former Dawson's Creek star isn't wearing some sort of cardigan contraption. And these two aren't the only ones that seem to have fallen hard for the forgiving fashion accessory. Kate Hudson has been popping up across the continents in the oversized buttoned beauties and Jessica Alba has traded in her bikinis for the stylish sweater. And if that's not reason enough for a cardigan celebration of your own,  Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz and Katherine Heigl have all been rocking out recently in striped cardigan sweaters.

(CP Photo)

Related links:

• Browse for more stylish sweaters
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Twilight's Edward Among Popular Halloween Lenses

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

Listen up guys - your dream of being Robert Pattinson for just one night can now become a reality! Well sort of... We can't guarantee you'll have legions of screaming girls outside your home but we can help you play a pretty convincing Edward from "Twilight" thanks to some cool new Halloween contact lenses modelled after the heartthrob's character. Just think, you could channel your inner-vamp and maybe even meet your very own Bella (if you haven't already) this Oct. 31! The latest trend in costume eyewear is a sure-fire way to get you noticed, if not by throngs of beautiful women, than at the very least by the judge of the annual costume contest. The speciality lenses are available in a slew of other characters including angels, dragons, Medusa or if you're really feeling dark, the devil. 

(Photo: Summit Entertainment)

J. Lo Among Stars Who Love Leopard

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

Leopard print has gone from an obvious cougar punch line to one of the hottest patterns for fall. Famous fashionista Jennifer Lopez has done her part to make leopard cool again by carrying her oversized leopard satchel to business meetings in L.A. and NYC, rocking her open-toed leopard ankle boots to the MTV Video Awards last month and even going all out with a leopard print silk dress while out for dinner with hubby Mark Anthony in London recently. Whitney Houston's leopard pumps were front and centre during her comeback interview on the season premiere of Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian even rocked a leopard print bikini while on a Mexican getaway. Stars like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Alba and Kylie Minogue have all embraced the animal print, but there's no doubt Aguilera has been the most daring so far in a revealing leopard print body suit. (Finally, Lady Gaga has a fashion follower!) 

Related links:

• Top print trends from the fall runways
• Find more leopard fashion
• Find leopard shoes

(CP Photo)

What Do Your Glasses Say About You?

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Our eyewear can make just as much of a statement as our clothing and the glasses we choose can often be used strategically in our particular line of work. Jenny Harvey, communications manager at Clearly Contacts, offers up her picks for the perfect peepers based on your chosen profession.

Teachers & Professors: Those who guide their flock each day should gravitate towards glasses that are strong, clever and safe. You want to keep the kids in line but also show that you are youthful and hip. Jenny's pick: Strong, confident lines like the ones on these sporty but classic Nike 7004 frames help to make sure the kids know who is boss while still allowing you to keep up with the trends.

Librarian & Literary Types: You live to read and are well educated and as such your glasses style combines sophistication with responsibility. Jenny's pick: These Kate Spade beauties are just the thing for you literary lovers.

Entertainment Industry:  Making your living within the arts community means you need to be funky and original and glasses are a key accessory which can set you apart. Jenny's pick: These Diesel 0069 frames will really make a mark; the bright color, funky design and “look at me” detailing all add to the fun, fashionable vibe. 

Fashion Circles: You live fashion, breathe it, sleep it and wear it on your face. Since people look to you for the latest trends, you need to take your role model status seriously, especially when it comes to your glasses. Jenny's pick: These frames include a number of the seasons’ hottest features in one frame; they are grey, square-shaped and oversized.

Lots of Letters After Your Name: Whether you have an M.D, Ph.D, or an honorary degree, it's almost always been about function over fashion when it comes to your eyewear. Good news - you can have both! Jenny's pick: Kam Dhillon 3001 with its clean lines, light weight and smart appeal is just what the doctor ordered.

Bay St. Types: When it comes to big money, it's all about looking the part. A designer suit and a knockout watch are givens, but you can't dismiss the importance of a pair of expensive looking glasses. Jenny's pick: Gucci, Prada and Hugo Boss are the staples. Clean lines, no nonsense rectangular shape and strong thick arms exude power. Hugo Boss 44 is money in the bank.

Related links:

• What message are your clothes sending?
• Cat-eye glasses are making a comeback
• Expect wave of Harry Potter inspired glasses

Six Fashionable Tips for Your Next Fall Wedding

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

Fall wedding guest attire has taken it up a notch as more and more couples are choosing to say "I do!" against the backdrop of those stunning autumn colours. Angie Miller, principal proprietor of The Little Black Dress, Toronto-based personal shoppers and image consultants, offers her expert advice for looking uber-stylish at your next set of fall nuptials.

Smokey Eyes: While the eye makeup technique is nothing new, Miller says using colours that are unexpected, like moss greens or teal blues and then pairing them with a nude lipstick, makes for a very fashion-forward look.

One Shoulder Dresses: Draped or one shoulder dresses in a loose fit are really hot and when it comes to length, just below the knee is your best bet if you want to score stylish points, says Miller.

Burst of Colour: Fuschia, royal blue or emerald green dresses are extremely popular not to mention being "stunning and unexpected" says Miller.

Faux Fur: While Miller cautions against being too ostentatious at a wedding, she says it may be fun to try a faux-fur trimmed purse or hat. 

Statement Purse: A jewelled clutch is something that’s very trendy and pulls the outfit together, says Miller, adding satin fabrics in metallic colours are the most popular base for this blingy accessory. "The purse can act as your jewelry and makes the outfit if you don’t want to go too overboard with your dress," she says.

Moody Bling: Darker or moody jewelry, like Onyx or rhinestones and crystals can also add a bit of drama to your fall wedding attire, says Miller. 

Related links:

• 2009 Wedding Guide
• Stylish summer wedding attire

Still Room for Metallics in Your Fall Wardrobe

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

As the recessionista fashion movement continues to sweep the globe this fall, thankfully there is still room for a little bling. Metallics are proving they have life beyond summer and are showing up primarily in the form of sequins, whether it's on shirts, vests, pants, leggings or blazers, says Toronto stylist Joan Petraglia. "While it's definitely a lot more subdued, metallics are still going strong for fall," she says, adding she's also seeing a lot of metallic bangles and broaches as well as hardware on jeans and other clothing. While fall is normally filled with earth tones as far as the eye can see, the splash of metallic is a welcome twist. Petraglia says they're best suited to evening wear, but can still be worked into a daytime wardrobe if you're creative. She suggests pairing a metallic tank top with boyfriend jeans, a denim vest and a scarf.

(AP Photo)

10 Uber-Heels that Will Channel Your Inner Carrie Bradshaw

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

When I blogged last month about the "death of heels" I had no idea that I'd touch such a nerve with so many passionate heel-lovers. "I have a ton of high heeled shoes! I would not give them up for anything!" wrote Maureen. "Wear whatever makes you happy I say and 4 inches or more makes me happy!" piped in Marilyn. Not being one to navigate heels very confidently, I was more than happy to see the report in the UK Times about the move towards flats. Now I'm beginning to think giving up heels for many women would be like sacrificing their morning coffee - just not going to happen! Especially as images from the "Sex and the City 2" film set begin to circulate, showing Carrie Bradshaw rocking a new pair of sexy heels with every glamorous wardrobe change. (Check out these purple studded wonders she paired with jeans in a recent Greenwich Village scene.) In honour of those of you whose motto is "the higher the better" here are 10 uber-high heels that will help channel your inner-Carrie.

1. Dual colour, dual ankle strap

2. Bow ornament pink open toes

3. Metallic arch high heel pumps

4. High instep V-shaped toes

5. 7.7" ultra high heels

6. Lace ornament pumps

7. Rounded open toes with strap

8. Triple inset straps

9. Double bows, rounded pointed toe

10. Special arch heels with silver buttons

Do you have a heel fetish?

Related links:

• Browse more heels
• Meet the new 6-inch 'It' heel
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(AP Photo)

Lisa Loeb Has Two Reasons to Celebrate

By Jackie Burns MSN Shopping Contributor

It's been one heck of a week for Lisa Loeb. The "Stay" singer announced she was pregnant and now comes news her signature cat eye glasses are making a comeback! "They're the new trend for fall," says Jenny Harvey, communications manager for Clearly Contacts. "Glasses have all of a sudden become cool so people are being more adventurous, they’re not trying to hide the fact that they’re wearing them," she says. "Glasses have become an important fashion accessory." Actresses Megan Fox, Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson have already been spotted wearing feline-inspired eyewear. You'll do more than just make a statement with this classic sexy style, says Harvey. "They add angles to a round face shape, balance out a narrow forehead and accentuate cheekbones," she says, adding angular cat eye frames with small to medium size lenses have a more modern appeal.

Related links:

• Virtual mirror helps avoid eyewear trainwreck
• Organic glasses target those with ‘green’ eyes

(CP Photo)

Five '80s Styles That Won't Make You Feel Old

By Jackie Burns, MSN Shopping Contributor

My mother declared herself over the hill upon seeing me in a pair of '70s-style bell bottoms on my first day of high school back in 1990. She was officially an old woman, having lived to see a trend come back around for a second kick at the can. I'm going through the same crisis this season as I'm bombarded with '80s fashion and accessories as far as the eye can see. My life almost flashes before me each time I pass a store front loaded with rocker leather and leg warmers. There is however some good news for those of you feeling my pain. I managed to find five items that will channel the '80s vibe without making you feel ancient or causing you to break into stitches when you put them on.

1. Biker jacket
2. Skinny jeans
3. Rocker shirt
4. Studded belt
5. Leggings

Are you ready to go back to the '80s or is this your first time around?

Related links:

• How to wear bold shoulders
• Carrie Fisher tries on the It jacket
• Still room for metallics in your fall wardrobe   

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?

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
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(AP Photo)