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!!

It’s not too early to start thinking about two major June events that usually require some sort of thoughtfulness on your part: Father’s Day and Graduation. This is especially true if you’re shopping for a Dad or Grad gift online (need to factor in shipping time). I have created shopping guides to help you find the perfect gift to surprise your loved ones with this year. For Father’s Day ideas, take a look at my Father’s Day Gift Guide. For guy graduation presents, click on my Guy Grad Gift guide. And for graduation gifts for ladies, check out Girl Grad Gifts.

P.S. Father’s Day is on June 21st this year!

Shown (L-R): Dad/Father Frame, Fog-Free Mirror with AM/FM Radio, Graduation Caricature Print, USB Tulip Hub, Wake Up iPod Speaker and Alarm Clock, and Grad Guy Bobblehead.

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

Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching (May 10th) and if you haven’t started brainstorming gift ideas, you should probably start soon! If you know your mom’s awesome, but don’t know what she wants or needs in terms of a gift, you can check out my Sweet Mother’s Day Gifts buyer’s guide, which contains some nice gifts (in a wide range of prices) that any mom would appreciate.

From left: Spa Stones Soap Set, Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Cologne (don’t worry, it’s not man cologne!), Calico Juno Bracelet 09, Coral Pillar Candle Holders.

Just keep in mind your mom’s personal style and go from there. And remember, it’s the thought that counts, so don’t stress too much. Your mom will still love you no matter what you get her for Mother’s Day. . . She sorta has to.

Have a happy Mother’s Day!

I’m really enjoying all the new fashion that’s coming off the runways and onto online shopping sites as of late. I found a newish trend to match each letter of the alphabet for my Fashion Alphabet buyer’s guide on Kazowie. My personal faves from off the catwalk are A for acidic colors, E for embellished boho, H for hooded, N for neutrals, and T for tough jewelry. I’ve read that there were a lot of 80’s inspired looks in many of the Spring ‘09 lines. I’m not too sure how I feel about this. While I like the holey nylons and square shoulder look, I’m not so sure I could pull it off without looking like I was headed to a themed frat party.

As always, my advice for following fashion trends is as follows: rock one trend at a time to avoid poser overload. And keep hair and makeup neutral to avoid the Halloween in Spring look. (Unless that’s what you’re going for, of course!)