Wish you had the scoop on the most modern innovations and wackiest “I can’t believe they make that” products? From shapewear that’s meant to be seen to cravings that can be curbed with just one whiff, I’ll fill you in on the items everyone is sure to be buzzing about. Here's a roundup of unusual and interesting ideas and products:
Jeggings
Keeping the comfort couture craze alive, lazy-gal fashion continues. I talked about the Unilazy, but now brands are finding a way to fuse some style into their low-key attire. PajamaJeans are literally sweat pants masquerading as denim. The loungewear is making many women happy thanks to its attempt at sleek styling ($39.95; pajamajeans.com). And even celebrities want to be comfortable! A new breed of “jeggings” — a combo of jeans and leggings — has taken over Hollywood. Brands like JOEs ($89; joesjeans.com), Hue ($28-$34; bloomingdales.com) and Hudson ($154-$165; piperlime.com) have all come out with chic skinny jeans that have the soft, hugging feel of a legging. The Twiggy jegging from James Jeans is even a favorite of stars like Charlize Theron, Halle Berry and Joy Bryant ($114-$158; shopbop.com).
Power rings
Stars are adorning their hands in armorlike accents with a slew of full-fingered rings. Vanessa Hudgens and Kim Kardashian wear Soixante Neuf’s Hammered Rings ($132-$305, Singer22.com), while Madonna, Victoria Beckham, Mary-Kate Olsen, Heidi Klum and Rihanna have all slipped on Loree Rodkin’s Bondage Ring. And as Avon’s global ambassador, Reese Witherspoon is asking women to put a different kind of ring on it. The star unveiled Avon’s new empowerment ring on March 10 — the latest piece of jewelry in the brand’s fundraising initiative against domestic violence. The infinity ring symbolizes women’s infinite possibilities, and 100 percent of net profits go to the Avon Foundation to end violence against women ($5; avon.com).
Slideshow 8 photos
Stars rock runway trends
No-chip nailsLots of ladies are pinching pennies these days, and little luxuries like mani-pedis are being pushed aside. However, salons want to give you more bang for your buck with the promise of long-lasting color. Both Creative Nail Design’s Shellac and OPI’s Axxium are professional solutions that claim their colored gel will keep your digits covered flawlessly for 14 days. What beauty buff wouldn’t love this time- and money-saving innovation? (Both available at select salons nationwide. Prices vary.)
Boobs newsFrom La Decollete’s anti-wrinkle bra to the Milkshake bra, which contains milk proteins to hydrate the skin, a number of new innovations in the bra category are bound to wow women next time they’re shopping for lingerie (decollette.eu/shop/home.php). Over the past few years memory foam has been used to contour and expand to your body, and Natori’s reflex underwire bra is a best-seller in that category ($52; barenecessities.com).
And the latest bandeau bras are a great solution for both big- and small-chested women. Larger-busted girls will like Lunaire’s Mayfair bra and Cosabella’s Thea bra because they cover your cleavage, while the cups prevent uni-boob, and those with A and B cups will be happy that they won’t be flattened out ($38; barenecessities.com). And finally, there’s even a bra for your backside! Bubbles Bodywear has a wide selection of “booty boosting” lingerie that will push up your derriere ($17-$72; lovemybubbles.com).
Colorful supportInstead of hiding it, shapewear brands are encouraging women to flaunt their figure-fixing lingerie! Both DKNY’s colored Smoothies ($15; Nordstrom.com) and Spanx’s Skinny Britches ($32-$42; spanx.com) are meant to peek through the bottoms of short shorts, skirts and dresses. I bet you never thought you’d see the day when control-top panties would be for show! So now you can see London, France and my underpants!
Power tools for beauty buffsA bunch of high-tech tools are popping up for glamour girls to be DIY dermatologists and makeup artists. From the zit-zapping Zeno Hot Spot ($40; myzeno.com) and Bliss’s Pore-fector device ($185; blissworld.com) to a hair-growth breakthrough with the HairMax LaserComb ($495; hairmax.com) and at-home laser hair removal from the Tria Laser Hair Removal System ($595; triabeauty.com), price-conscious consumers may never have reason to visit the skin doctor again! Plus, the Temptu makeup system was designed to be easy enough to use every day — taking away the need to have your makeup professionally applied for special occasions ($225; sephora.com).
Indulgent inhalersWhether you want coffee or chocolate, a new product from Paris will curb your craving in just one puff. Le Whif packs intense flavor into an inhalerlike object. Just breathe in and behold — you can taste your favorite vice without any regrets! While the product is brand-new to the U.S., Dylan’s Candy Bar is getting in a big shipment next week and you can already pre-order packages through the Web site ($3-$8; dylanscandybar.com).