SHOP MICHAEL JACKSON’S STYLE NOW!

Yesterday, people of all ages from around the world celebrated and mourned the tragic and unexpected passing of the King of Pop. Radio stations filled the airwaves with the familiar sounds of MJ’s famous beats. Everyone listened to their old favorites with a new ear and deeper appreciation for the genius behind the hits. A grief counselor called a radio station that I was listening to on the ride home from work. She was surprised at how much Michael Jackson’s passing was affecting her emotionally and was close to tears remembering the time she got to touch the hand of the most talented entertainer that ever graced a stage. For so many, Michael’s name is a household one, and his death had fans feeling as if they’d lost a close friend.

I will always admire Michael’s signature style and the way he could pull off such over-the-top-looks so effortlessly, as if a jacket, pants, glove, and shoes completely covered in sequins were as ordinary as a t-shirt and jeans. But what I envy most was his ability to establish these looks as his own. The glove, the hat, the armband, the jacket. That’s Michael. He will always be an inspiration to those aspiring to discover and establish their own personal style. As a tribute to the iconic celebrity’s innovative flair, I created a style guide of all things Michael, with some literal and some more modern takes on Michael’s trademark adornments, which represent the self-expression of a beloved pop legend. I love you, Michael!!

So I’m about five months behind - big deal. I found it and I want it: the world’s first 3-D webcam, Minoru by Novo. Minoru, which in Japanese means “reality,” is shaped like a tiny red robot who sits atop your computer monitor with two cameras (his eyes) that are spaced as equally apart as human eyes. The built-in stereoscopic anaglyphic processing software allows you to be seen in 3-D to anyone wearing a set of red and blue glasses (you get five free pairs upon purchasing the cam!).

You can also be seen in regular 2-D if your chat buddy’s not wearing a pair of 3-D specs. Minoru connects to your computer’s USB port and is compatible with Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL Instant Messenger, OoVoo, and others. This little guy also allows you to take 3-D pics and vids to upload to YouTube. Snag a Minoru webcam for yourself for less than $90 at my Gadgets That Look Like Cute Things But Actually Do Stuff buyer’s guide on Kazowie. (Another favorite from the guide is the Speakal iPig 2.1 Stereo iPod Docking System, below).

Disney-Pixar’s Up is less than a month away from premiering (May 29th in Disney Digital 3-D)! If you liked Monster’s Inc., brace yourself: Up is directed by the same guy, Pete Docter. I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely hilarious and completely darling. How could it not be? Duh, I’m obsessed with the characters already and, as you know, I’m always looking for an excuse to dress up. If you’re like me and/or you’re just super-excited for a new Pixar movie, you should check out my Dress Like Carl Fredricksen from Disney-Pixar’s UP shopping guide. This outfit’s great for opening night at the movies, Halloween, a Pixar theme party, or just for fun. Obviously, the main character is MALE, but the products in my guide are all women’s apparel and accessories (i.e. a pre-tied bow tie). It’s really cute, you’ll see.

See my other “Dress Like” guides at the links below. There’s definitely going to be more of these in the future! If you have any ideas for a fun character dress-up, let me know and I’ll shop for you!

Dress Like Coraline

Tim Burton-Esque

Robin Hood-Esque Fashion for Women