From headbands that allow you to change the length of your hair to berry black lipstick, TODAY Style editor Bobbie Thomas shares an interesting mix of the latest buzzworthy items:
Berry black lipstick
Who would have thought that Goth style could be so chic? Black lipstick — which until now has been considered alternative – is the hot new trend. There were darkened lips on the fall runway shows from YSL, Giles and Alice Roi. In addition, this past September, Rachel McAdamsn brought the trend to life by sporting a black pout on the cover of New York Times "T" Magazine. Some of the biggest beauty brands believed in the lipstick trend enough to introduce black shades into their collections. The actual color used on Yves Saint Laurent's fall runway — Pur Black — just hit shelves ($28; yslbeautyus.com). This high-gloss is slick, serious, and has no sparkles.
As an alternative to heavy black lipstick, even Hollywood's obsession with retro reds is getting a seductive update this fall. Lancôme’s low-pigment black lip glaze can be layered over colors for a berry-black feel, or can be left slightly sheer. Slated for release in November, only 500 will be available, and rumor has it the waitlist is already filling up fast. ($48; 212-705-2886).Hippie headbands and Hilton’s ‘Bandits’
Peaceful halos have become the latest style statement in Hollywood. Celebrity-favorite lines like Lavendar Girl ($4-88; lavendergirl.com) and Lauren Moshi ($88; revolveclothing.com) have been supplying the likes of Nicole Richie and Miley Cirus with their thin bohemian bands.
Of course, who would know that headbands are “hot” better than Paris Hilton? The heiress has found a smart way to capitalize on the craze while curing bad-hair-days. She just launched “The Bandit,” a line of hair extensions that are attached to headbands with Velcro. “The Bandit” comes in eight different shades and three different lengths – so you can change your look as often as Paris changes party dresses ($70-80; parisandsally.com)!Boot camp
Fashion meets function with the latest lineup of boots. I recently told you about stylish covers for your handbag, and now we have the genius invention of umbrellas for your shoes. Known as Shuella, these rubber covers fold to fit inside any bag, but when you get caught in a rainstorm, they protect even your highest-heeled pumps. While they come in sizes just like your shoes, they can be worn over any heel and boast a slip-free sole ($50; shuella.com).
If you don’t want to compromise fitness for fashion, MBT, the line of athletic footwear that is meant to improve your posture and relieve stress on your joints and back, has introduced a fashionable boot, the Tambo, into its collection. A departure from the brand’s more sporty and athletic styles, the platform sole will not only brave the elements, but have you stomping your way to a better booty this fall. ($390; blissworld.com).Cinch of a solutionBelts of all sizes and colors have been on every fashion “must” list for the past few years, but two brands have found a way to go beyond basic belts and get creative with their closures. Terry Stack’s interchangeable belts and buckles are equipped with Velcro, allowing you to switch buckles and straps for the perfect fit every time. Low waist or high waist, neither is a problem for this functional piece of fashion. From bejeweled crystal ornaments to baroque hardware, you’ll find a range of styles to suit any mood or outfit ($36-50 per strap, $10-60 per buckle; terrystack.com).
In addition, Myself Belts for kids have easy-to use snap and Velcro closures so your little ones can take their belts on and off all by themselves for a boost of 'look at me mom' confidence ($15-16; myselfbelts.com).
Slimming solutions
Women have been waiting for ages to find a non-invasive miracle to reduce the appearance of cellulite and fight flab. While it may not be a cure-all, many companies are claiming to help you sculpt without a scapel or drop a dress size without dieting. Even body-after-baby support is available thanks to Belly Bandits, abdominal compression pads developed to help your tummy bounce back faster post-pregnancy ($40-60; bellybandit.com). While shapewear has become the modern girl's answer to a girdle, modern technology and science are also helping to shape a whole new category of women's clothing called cosmetotextiles - that aim to offer support with beauty benefits. Skineez Skincarewear ($68; macys.com) and Lytess' Orange Peel Sleeves ($30; blissworld.com) are both examples designed to not only smooth and firm, but promise to hydrate and improve texture with micro-encapsulated ingredients.