After Fashion

I am a glutton for mindless reality television. And any show that can make my homosexual heart flutter with anticipation as to who will be crowned America's most "diverse" model/chef/fashion designer can expect my devotion for the entire season. Take for example America's Next Top Model. The scenario is usually the same: seventy-five over confident "bitches" get emotionally battered in the hopes of becoming a second-rate Tyra. Now I don't normally have a problem with the judges decisions, but last week was a bad move.

Case in point:




















Are you for real? The assignment was to portray heavy metal music. And this is what you gave us? At best, it resembles a drunken sorority girl skipping finals to see her "favorite" band that she's never even listened to. Not to mention your name: Fatima. Fatima is not a model's name, it is something you call in sick with.

Judges: Take advice from your fashion inclined friends, if they can't make it work, they're Auf'd!

Recently I covered the outer aspects of a proper winter wardrobe. However, I realized that some poor soul is actually going to purchase these ensembles and have nothing to wear underneath.

Enter Threadless.com:Right now there's a sale going on (and everyone loves a sale), $10 for select tees, and if you want to splurge there's also a great selection of hoodies and other apparel to empty your wallet.

Oh the weather outside is...well...not so frightful. But it will be soon. That being said I've compiled a list of items (and where to find them) to make sure this winter is cozy and warm.

1.) Moisturizer- Wind chill, the sun, and in-laws are guaranteed to make your skin red and blotchy this holiday season. Fix the problem with Aveeno's Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, $6.99 at drugstore.com

2.) Lip Balm- Plan on spending time under the mistletoe? Well no one wants to smooch your chapped kissers. Heal, protect, and pucker up with Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm by Burt's Bees, $3.00 at burtsbees.com

3.) Anti-frizz serum- John Frieda Frizz-Ease, $5.99 at drugstore.com, nuff' said.

And now for my favorite part of the Top Ten List....(drum roll please!!!)....CLOTHING!!!

4.) Bomber jacket- No winter wardrobe is complete without a stylish bomber jacket. These picks have pockets big enough to carry the first three items on this list...how clever am I?

For the fellas: Tommy Hilfiger Hooded Bomber Jacket, $275.00 at tommyhilfger.com
Mount Washington Jacket, $348.00 at abercrombieandfitch.com

For the ladies: Naomi or Ellen Jackets, both $228.00 at abercrombieandfitch.com

5.) Fleece- In case the kisses didn't make you warm enough. Top picks:

Men's- Cotton blend fleece lined full- zip. That's a mouthful. $68.00 at bananarepublic.com

Women's- Half-zip fleece pullover, $29.50 at Gap.com

6.) Scarves- I personally don't wear scarves. I don't like the idea of anything wrapping itself around my neck. But if I had to wear one, these are my choices:

Gents: Pro-fleece rugby scarf $12.50, or better yet, $10.00 if you buy two

Dames: Ruffle scarf, $19.50 both available at Gap.com

7.) Boots- Unless your like me and shovel the white stuff in your slippers, you might want to invest in one of these:

For Him: Dr. Martens 1460 8 Eye Boot Black Greasy, $109.99

For Her: Ugg Women's Sunburst Sand $199.99, both at Shoes.com

8.) Bathrobe- My fondest memory of Christmas? Waking up early in the morning, throwing on a warm bathrobe...and shredding wrapping paper like a savage.

Top Picks:

Mom- Light-weight calf-length terry robe, $55.00 to $60.00

Dad- Regular Balmoral Robe, $90.00 both at landsend.com

To top off the list I figured we'd add two items that should be essential to holiday survival.

9.) Camera's- My pick: Canon Powershot 7.1 MP Digital Camera A560, $149.99 available at target.com . A good choice for capturing precious holiday memories, or your brother Joe after too much of Grandma's egg nog.

10.) Hot Chocolate- After all this shopping your gonna need some. Try Aztec Hot Chocolate, only $18.00 for 10 oz. tin, at mariebelle.com

Hope you enjoyed this list and have a great holiday season!

~Sean