What's in Store

The engineers at Shopping.com have been playing around with cool new ideas in a place they call the “WorkShop“. I just couldn’t keep this to myself because…here’s the thing…we can get access to them. What’s in store right now?

A Daily Price Drop tool that surfaces items marked down by thousands of your favorite stores. For example, today I was scanning the shoes category (hey, it’s work-related) and discovered a cute pair of Mary-Janes marked down 32%.

Happy hunting, my friends!

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“Without black velvet breeches, what is man?”
James Bramston, 1694 - 1744

There is a bit of a debate as to whether or not pants can be considered a trend in fashion. Were they around last season? Yes. The season before that? Yeppers. In fact, women have been wearing pants since the 1870s. During WWII women started wearing pants regularly for work and by the 1950s pants were a wardrobe staple. Moral of the brief history? Pants are here to stay, and trend or not, it’s worth investing in a fanny-tastic pair or two. Here’s how to wear the styles of the season.

Wide

Wide leg pants require more substantial shoes. A shoe with a square or almond toe and a thicker heel will balance the leg. Avoid looking shapeless and frumpy by keeping your tops fitted, your jackets cropped and if you wear an overcoat make sure it has a defined waist.

Slim

Unless you’re a Balenciaga diehard or a Tokyo rock star (or both!), forget about wearing chunky heels with slim pants. Instead, choose a classic pump to maintain the streamline silhouette. Play around with volume on top with capelets and trapeze jackets or go très moderne with something tailored.

Men’s

Think of the men in you life. How many of them wear heels with their pants? Few to none is my bet. So if you’re stealing their pants, style wise, take that to heart and wear flats. Ballet flats will keep the look feminine.

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One of the surprise hits of the summer leads the top releases this week. And let’s face it, there’s really nothing else coming out that is going to make consumers go to the video stores. Here is the top DVD movie release for this week and the reviews of the film from the Epinions.com community.

Knocked Up

The Seth Rogan/Katherine Heigl summer hit didn’t really sneak up on anyone. It was established that it was going to be a decent hit, but I’m not sure if anyone knew it was going to be a hit to the tune of nearly $150 million, especially as an R rated movie. Directed by Judd Aptow, it features Rogan as a slacker who impregnates the “well on her way to success” Heigl after a one night stand. Hilarity ensues.

Epinions Reviews for Knocked Up

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews!

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This week we’re celebrating products for people kids or the kid in yourself:

DailyCandy features Bonnie Girl by Bonnie & Evelyn Dresses. Each of these dresses is a handcrafted, reversible frock and comes in two vintage styles for girls’ sizes 12 months to 4 toddler. Whether you choose the breezy Bonnie with two winged back panels or the side-tie Evelyn, they come in lovely antique patterns with matching bloomers or shorts. The next time she spills, a quick flip to the other side is all it takes. No bath time required.

Delight.com talks about the Kitchen Playdates cookbook, that outlines cooking projects that can involve kids. These recipes are meant to be mixed and matched, and come with suggestions for items you can buy ready-made to reduce the workload. The recipes are simple yet stylish, with easy-to-find ingredients with a global range. It’s all about flexibility and fun, not fuss.

DailyCandy recommends starting a new family tradition with the kids’ collection from Room & Board. The company’s handcrafted and American-made furniture features fresh designs for children. Each piece is built to last and can easily take your little ones from their tot years well into their teens. Everything’s in stock and ready for delivery, which means your kids won’t have to endure your old furniture ever again.

Forbes.com reports “Squeals of Delight for Tween” as its shares soar. Tween Brands caters to lifestyle and “fashion-aware” girls between the ages of 7 and 14 through its Limited Too and Justice brands.

ShinyShiny hypes about the Playstation 3 Home to Second Life. Home is its own virtual community that sets you up with an apartment to decorate. Your unrealistically designed avatar can also wear designer clothes and upgrade your initial humble dwelling to a penthouse. This can bring out the inner kid in you. Give it a whirl!

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It was like an old fashioned boxing match. You had Kanye West, the Muhammed Ali of his day. He’s boisterous, arrogant, talks his mind and dresses for success. 50 Cent is more like Joe Frazier. He’s a brawler, an underdog, and has a throng of fans who don’t like West’s style of music.

Last Tuesday, Kanye West released his third LP, Graduation. It’s a synth/soul record which samples Daft Punk and Michael Jackson. On the same day, 50 Cent released Curtis, a record that has been pushed back a few times this year, and one that 50 has gone back and recorded new songs for after not liking the response his first singles had been receiving. The question people were asking was, “Who is going to sell more records in the first week?” Was it going to be Kanye West, whose best first week sales were for his second album Late Registration? Or was it going to be 50 Cent, who sold over 1 million units during the first week of his sophomore album, The Massacre? The only thing certain is that it was going to be a great day for hip hop in the music stores.

The sales numbers are in. It was really no contest. According to Billboard.com, Kanye West’s Graduation outsold 50 Cent’s Curtis, 957,000 units to 691,000 units.

In many years, the first week sales numbers will be forgotten and music lovers will only remember each album for it’s lasting impression based on the quality of the music. So far, Kanye has the lead on that as well. According to Epinions.com, Kanye’s album has 11 reviews, with an average rating of 4 1/2 stars (5 is the maximum). 50 Cent’s album has only 4 reviews, with an average rating of just 2 stars.

Who’s next? Mariah vs. Janet?

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Matthew McConaughey and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin lead the way this week. Here are the top DVD movie releases for this week and the reviews of the films from the Epinions.com community.

We Are Marshall

Matthew McConaughey stars in this movie that’s based on a true story about a plane crash that killed the majority of the Marshall University football team in 1970. McConaughey’s Jack Lengyel is in charge of not only rebuilding the football team, but the community surrounding the team as well. Matthew Fox (Lost, Party of Five) also stars as a coach who didn’t ride with the team on the plane, that fateful night.

Epinions Reviews for We Are Marshall

The Condemned

Stone Cold Steve Austin (Steve Williams) is Jack Conrad, an American who is awaiting a death sentence. Robert Mammone plays Ian Breckel, a heartless TV producer who buys Conrad, and 9 other criminals awaiting the death penalty and throws them on an island with the idea the last person standing gets freedom. Except, the only way to win the game is to kill. Vinnie Jones plays Ewan McStarley, who is the ultimate villain. If violence is your thing, The Condemned is pure violence.

Epinions Reviews for The Condemned

Lucky You

Drew Barrymore and Eric Bana (The Hulk) star in this film about a singer and a poker player and their knack for reading people. Bana plays Huck Cheever (maybe the greatest name in movie history) who is great at reading people at the poker table, but his gift also allows him to avoid commitment. Barrymore’s Billie Offer’s heart is up for grabs, but Cheever has to use his knack in other ways in order to win it.

Epinions Reviews for Lucky You

If you are a movie buff and would like to add your two cents about a good or bad movie, join Epinions.com and start writing reviews!

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With all the buzz about Spring Fashion Week, this week we’re sharing runway trends and secrets to tickle your fashion taste buds:

TrendCentral features four collections surrounded by industry buzz from New York Fashion Week:

Erin Fetherston: Best known for her girly princess frocks beloved by Hollywood indie fashion elite like Kirsten Dunst and Zooey Deschanel, Fetherston toned down her signature look for an upcoming line for Target. Done entirely in an icy palette of snow queen whites, ivories, greys and gun metal metallics, the Flights of Fancy collection was a more sophisticated take on her past looks, resulting in a chic minimalist aesthetic accented with kooky seashell prints and of course, Fetherston’s usual ruffles.

Vena Cava: Inspired by Kenneth Anger’s Hollywood Babylon and ’70s print design, the very original collection channeled film noir glamour via modern retro silhouettes, some pieces printed with Art Deco-style beer cans that the old school designers created not from Photoshop but through good old Kinko’s.

Preen: A favorite among fashion insiders and models such as it-girl Agyness Deyn, this British label just presented its New York debut. Done almost entirely in silk, Preen’s simultaneously sensual and graphic looks dressed up ‘80s parachute styles for a night on the town.

Karen Walker: This Aussie designer was doing highwaisted pants long before they became this season’s big trend, so it’s a good bet that whatever she does will be directional. Her Spring ’08 collection included slouchy wide pants and garden party florals paired with dark tights and tough boots.

Splendora goes gaga over the Stuart Weitzman Cambridge Pump as the “what to shoe”. Lots of ladiesfrequenting shows at Fashion Week wore oxfords and wingtip shoes. These pumps are perfectly androgynous; the lace up front is a nod to mens’ footwear, while the high heel makes them more delicate and irrevocably femme. Wear them with a frilly chiffon number or a tailored blazer and high-waisted slim jeans. They’ll work with either ensemble.

FabSugar posts about the Going Tribal trend showing itself on the Spring runways. An array of batik prints, nature-inspired, exotic and tropical prints will provide fabulous fashion fare. DKNY went tribal with a more subdued palette, youthful shapes, and obi belts; Oscar de la Renta knows how to deliver tribal to purveyors of luxury, and Diane von Furstenberg’s “Under the Volcano” theme gave way to vivacious tribal delights.

The Budget Fashionista raves about Spring 2008 fashion trends and shares what is “in”. The list includes: feminine dressing, thin belts, head scarves, long pencil skirts, sequins, metallics, silk jersey and chiffon, hats, clutches, dressing up; the colors orange, rose, lavender, green, and silver which is the new neutral. She says that the key is to focus on fit and quality and to shop now for spring/summer colors like lavender.

Forbes.com pens about luxe for less Laptop Bags and includes the Coach Logan Bag made with water-resistant tanned leather. This case features two pockets in the front compartment, pen holders, a business card holder and an adjustable front buckle closure. Who said that professional, functional and fashionable don’t go together?

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This week we found funky fresh, fun accessories that will soon become favorites:

SheFinds glows over the Light-up Designer Handbags from Solas Fashion. This is an innovative brand that fuses style with function, brings you clutches, totes, satchels and more, all crafted with their unique lighting system. The built-in blue light that lines the edge of the purse opening offers just enough illumination so you can find what you need without a hassle. Open it and it lights up. Close it and the light goes off.

FabSugar goes wild over Steve Alan’s Tartan Ruffled Panty. Why wear blah underwear when there are so many interesting choices out there? This item is seriously fabworthy and a fun undergarment to spruce up the underside of your outfit.

Shiny Shiny brags about the new Pill Paks makeover and its clever alarm system for your meds. They’ve even taken it a step further and have created them in a range of colors. Instead of dull hospital style white, you can choose from leopard print, zebra stripe and the good old stars and stripes to safeguard your contraceptives. Check out the hugs and kisses case — love those lips.

Splendora boasts about Oliver Peoples Harper Eyeglasses as a great accessory to complete your look. Thick, bold, exaggerated eyeglass styles are the in-thing. The ’50s-inspired Harper model from Oliver Peoples is a more subtle take on the trend, but your local lens ‘n frames store will have a bevy of cool ones to choose from. Be proud of your optical deficiency!

Delight spotlights the season of nautical accessories that bring crisp whites and fun kitschy trinkets to fall when most colors are drab and jewelry heavy. Rachel Leigh’s Enameled Anchor Necklace is simple, chic and will be a pretty piece for everyday, or a fun addition to a special outfit. Rachel Leigh’s jewelry has been featured in Lucky, Allure, People Magazine, Elle, OK!, InTouch, Seventeen, WWWD and many other stylish publications. This is the perfect gift for girlfriends and trendsetters!

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“If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she’s wearing your best sweater.”
Pam Brown, b. 1948

Labor Day is my favorite holiday. It’s the gateway to fall fashion and perfectly timed. Just when you’re starting to tire of your spring wardrobe, it’s time to focus on new pieces. At the top of the new clothes list are the modern takes on traditional sweaters. These edgy options are perfect for lazing around over the long weekend.

Tie One On

Pick up a new wrap cardigan or breath new life into an old one by adding contrasting ties.

Turning Japanese

Add a dose of drama to your casual wardrobe with a kimono sleeved sweater.

Necking

An oversized collar brings a cable knit sweater up to speed and in style this season.

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So, I can’t explain it…but I felt the need to buy a rocket t-shirt that I saw in the celeb rags this weekend. You know, the Made U Look Rocket t-shirt. Apparently, Jessica Simpson and one of the Bradgelina tots have been spotted wearing them.

Anyway, it’s really ugly and I only plan on wearing it to the gym. Why am I so psyched? Maybe because I won it on eBay. It’s true what they say about windorphins. If you’re interested, there are a few more up there and some Shopping.com merchants are carrying them. I’ll let you know how many looks it really gets me…

What have you bought just because you saw it in a magazine?

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