Jason Van Horn / Betabrand

Business as usual? Betabrand's luxurious executive hoodies come designed with the CEO in mind.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

Much has been made of Mark Zuckerberg‘s affinity for hoodies. He’s been put on GQ worst dressed lists and pissed off Wall Street types, but it’s part of his uniform, and for that we commend him. Steve Jobs had his (Issey Miyake!) turtlenecks, Zuck has his hoodies. And now he has a new option for when he wants to appear formal, without compromising his personal style.

Betabrand (a San Francisco-based online retailer — of course) seemed to have had the Facebook CEO in mind when it came up with its Executive Pinstripe Hoodie. The merino wool (“the same exquisite fabric found in fancy-schmancy tailored suits”) hoodie is dry-clean only and has “luxurious tie-cloth lining, comfy ribbed cotton cuffs, and a pair of roomy front pockets.” The $148 sweatshirt certainly gives new meaning to business casual.

While we applaud the winking ingenuity here, we’re inclined to declare you should stick to a regular ol’ cotton/polyester/fleece blend when purchasing a hoodie. Leave the merino wool pinstripes for, well, actual suits. It’s like sneaky sneakers!

More from Styleite:

Steve Jobs' Decades-Long Love Affair with The Mock Turtleneck
How Much Does The Most Expensive T-Shirt In The World Cost?
What Do You Think Of Time's Controversial Breast-Feeding Cover? 

Shannon Stapleton / AFP - Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, going au naturel, is all smiles while on official business in Kolkata, India on May 6. YOU GO, GIRL.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

Sometimes Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just wants to be normal and do normal things, like wear her hair in a scrunchie, party with her girlfriends, and go out without a stitch of makeup.

Clinton visited Bangladesh last weekend to promote democracy abroad, popping up at official events in glasses and without makeup (except for a bit of lipstick). Of course, people criticized her; on Monday, Fox News said she looked “tired and withdrawn.” But you know what? She doesn’t really care what they think.

On Tuesday, she explained her personal philosophy to CNN‘s Jill Dougherty:

“I feel so relieved to be at the stage I’m at in my life right now, Jill. Because you know if I want to wear my glasses I’m wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back I’m pulling my hair back. You know at some point it’s just not something that deserves a lot of time and attention. And if others want to worry about it, I let them do the worrying for a change. It doesn’t drive me crazy anymore. It’s just not something I think is important anymore.”

Yeah, she rules. Check out Hill in all her barefaced glory below:

Munir Uz Zaman / AFP - Getty Images

She looks a bit relieved, no? A makeup-less Hillary Clinton looks on during a press conference in Dhaka on March 5.

Shannon Stapleton / AFP - Getty Images

Fearless Hillary Clinton speaks to students at the Dhaka International School in Dhaka May 6.

Shannon Stapleton / AP

She might be going easy on the makeup, but she still has an eye for colorful fashion: Clinton holds a sari in Kolkata, India, on May 6.

What do you think of Hillary's views and makeup-less look? Let us know in the comments section!

More from Styleite: Hillary Clinton Just Can’t Let Go Of Her Scrunchies
Is This The Most Amazing Makeup Tutorial Of All Time?
Beauty School: How To Hide A Hangover

Change.org

Julia Bluhm, 14, posted a petition on Change.org, calling on Seventeen magazine to commit to printing one unaltered photo spread per month.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

An eighth-grade student from Maine is taking on Seventeen magazine, and she has garnered support from nearly 25,000 people.

Two weeks ago, 14-year-old Julia Bluhm posted a petition on Change.org called “Seventeen Magazine: Give Girls Images of Real Girls!” which has gained traction online over the past few days. Bluhm is asking the teen magazine to print one unaltered photo spread in each issue.

“I want to see regular girls that look like me in a magazine that’s supposed to be for me,” she writes in the petition letter. She goes on to explain:

Here’s what lots of girls don’t know. Those “pretty women” that we see in magazines are fake. They’re often photoshopped, air-brushed, edited to look thinner, and to appear like they have perfect skin. A girl you see in a magazine probably looks a lot different in real life.

Seventeen

A recent Seventeen magazine cover.

On Wednesday, Bluhm is planning a demonstration outside of Seventeen's headquarters, Hearst Tower in New York. It will involve a mock photo shoot where teens will be snapped in front of the building holding dry erase boards covered with messages to Seventeen. Bluhm also intends to bring printouts of her petition’s signatures to the magazine.

While we agree that excessive Photoshop work is indeed a problem in the magazine world, Seventeen is hardly the biggest culprit. It’s also worth noting that unlike most other mainstream magazines, Seventeen does indeed feature and photograph “real girls” — and with minimal airbrushing.

Do you agree with Bluhm's efforts? Are teen magazines too Photoshopped? Let us know in the comments!

More from Styleite:

This Teen's Prom Dress Is Made Out Of...Cardboard?
Teen Models Sue Agent For Groping Them, Stealing Their Money
Is Katy Perry Over-Airbrushed In These New Adidas Ads?

Woolrich

Clever or concerning? Woolrich's Concealed Carry Chinos and Elite Discreet Carry Shirt feature a hidden chamber pocket and velcro flaps to help hide and easily access a weapon.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Self, why don’t more brands design gun-friendly apparel?” Because if so, Woolrich can solve all your sartorial woes! Introducing the latest in “covert fashion”: the Elite Concealed Carry Collection features pants and jackets with specially designed pockets to conceal your gun and your plastic handcuffs. Nope, not a joke.

New York Times reports that the clothing company started selling $65 chinos with additional pockets and stretchable waistbands to hide firearms because of an increase in people with permits. Currently, 49 states have laws that allow people to carry firearms in a concealed manner.

Instead of trying to explain what Woolrich’s gun-concealing pants look like, here’s the full product description for the Concealed Carry Chinos:

These pants are ideal for situations where discretion is important. The Elite Concealed Carry Chinos have the clean profile of a standard pair of pants with no external cargo or utility pocketing, but offers the added advantage of of a hidden chamber pocket strategically constructed to reduce printing. It is made of 7.8-ounce 98% cotton/2% stretch twill fabric. It has a comfort waist with elastic side panels with three-ply, dual-chamber pocket bags. An inner chamber is accessible through an invisible zipper and allows for discreet carry option. Outer chamber provides provides conventional pocket function and additional benefit of reduced printing. Two knife openings. Reinforced crotch.

But the gun fashion doesn’t stop at your lower half; there are shirts with Velcro slits! As per the product description:

The Elite Discreet Carry Shirt may become your favorite everyday casual shirt simply for its comfort, but we think you’ll also appreciate the features that make this far more than your average shirt. What sets this shirt apart are the “breakaway” side vents and false bottom button, for easy rapid access to essential gear on the waist. Back bi-swing venting with polyester mesh for a relaxed feel, even on the hottest days.

But on a more-serious level, why is there even an increase for gun-concealing attire? According to the Times:

Gun experts suggest that there are many reasons for the growth in the number of people with concealed-carry permits. They say it is partly due to a changing political and economic climate — gun owners are professing to want a feeling of control — and state laws certainly have made a difference.

And we thought crop tops were the scariest trend of the season.

What do you think of these new pants? Let us know in the comments section!

More from Styleite:
Are These The World’s Most Sexist Pair Of Pants?
Oops! Did Kate Moss Forget To Zip Her Pants?
Would You Wear A Pair Of ‘Picnic Pants’?

Brandili Mundi

Runs in the family? Little Dana Bundchen is following in aunt Gisele Bundchen's modeling footsteps. The tot is seen posing for Brazilian children's wear label Brandili Mundi.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

What were you doing when you were five? Drawing in coloring books? Playing on a jungle gym? Unlike you, Gisele Bündchen's 5-year-old niece Duda is modeling and designing for Brazilian children’s label Brandili Mundi. 

According to Forbes, Duda was a spokesmodel for the brand last year. Brandili Mundi liked her so much that they extended her contract and gave her a designing gig to boot. The Duda Bündchen for Brandili Mundi collection, which launched in July, includes ruffled dresses and Peter Pan collared tops.

Brandili Textil marketing director Germano Costa said the creative process was very much a collaborative effort:

“She told us about her preferences on prints, cuts, and details, and based on the briefing we received from her, we came up with a collaborative collection. The pieces were all approved by Duda, whose romantic inspiration will no doubt catch girls’ eyes.”

Now watch Duda do her thing in a behind-the-scenes video of the ad campaign:

More from Styleite: Target’s Newest Model Is A 6-Year-Old With Down Syndrome
At Home With Toddlers & Tiaras‘ Most Famous Contestant
Five-Year-Old Suri Cruise Wears Red Lipstick

Reuters, Getty Images

Can you tell the difference? Neither can we. John Edwards expensive haircut in 2004 (left) and now with a $12.95 cut in 2012 (right) doesn't look all that different.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

John Edwards used to get expensive haircuts. Now he goes to Supercuts. His hair looks exactly the same.

Beverly Hills-based stylist Joseph Torrenueva was Edwards's hair wizard of choice back in the day. The Washington Post reported he charged the politician "$300 to $500 for each cut, plus the cost of airfare and hotels when he had to travel outside California." One cut during Edwards's 2004 presidential campaign "cost $1,250 because he traveled to Atlanta and lost two days of work."

Now Edwards awaits the start of his trial on corruption charges which could land him 30 years in prison. Naturally, his hair habits have been toned down as a result. According to the New York Post, a Supercuts hairdresser in Raleigh, NC is currently responsible for maintaining the Edwards mane. Her name is Leah, she charges $12.95, and her work looks remarkably like Torrenueva's.

Lesson learned: you should never, ever spend $1,250 on a haircut.

More from Styleite:
Is This The Most Drastic Makeover In Politics?
Michelle Obama Reveals Her Prom Dress On Ellen
Conservative Mom Group Upset Over Urban Outfitters Catalog

Acquacalda

Too lazy to bring your own picnic table? You're in luck! Acquacalda lets you use your ... pants.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

In case you’ve ever sat cross-legged at an outdoor picnic and thought, “Man, I wish I could just eat off my lap instead of holding a plate, fork, and cup!”, today’s your lucky day. Introducing the "Pic Nic Pant" — and, yup, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

An Italian company called Acquacalda has created a pair of denim capri pants that feature a piece of fabric between the thighs. The flap spreads out when you sit cross-legged, so it doubles as a plate. It even has a pocket on the outside of the thigh to hold a drink! Oh those Italians, they just think of everything.

We give props to Acquacalda for creating the most literal example of functional fashion (although it seems as if it's not yet available for the public to purchase). But seriously, who thinks of this stuff?

Acquacalda

Can't touch this: The Acquacalda Picnic Pants are a far cry from the skinny jeans trend.

More: Oops! Kate Moss Forgot To Zip Her Pants
Jennifer Lawrence Goes Pantsless For Latest Magazine Cover
Introducing The World’s Most Sexist Pair Of Pants

via vivelareine on tell.la

By Jada Wong, Styleite

Someone who had $57,000 to spend on old shoes just bought a pair of silk mules that are believed to have been worn by Marie Antoinette, the Queen consort of Louis XVI, at an auction of French Revolution era artifacts on Saturday, according to AFP.

How can you even tell they belonged to the Austrian-born historical figure? The white shoes are adorned with tricolor ribbons from 1790 and are about a U.S. size 6, the same size Marie Antoinette wore. So they must be hers!

The event's organizers said the shoes may have been worn by Antoinette at national day celebrations on July 14, 1790.

Some people like to collect Louboutins, others Marie-Antoinettes. To each their own, we say.

More from Styleite: The World's Most Expensive Shoe

The $1000 Shoe That Makes Your Feet Look Like Dog Paws

World’s Oldest Fancy Shoe Found in Armenia

Shawish

The ultimate bling? The Shawish 150-carat diamond ring goes for a cool $70 million.

By Jada Wong, Styleite

Size does matter — when it comes to diamond rings.

Switzerland-based Shawish Jewelry has created a diamond ring that trumps Beyoncé’s 18-carat engagement ring from Jay-Z and even the late Elizabeth Taylor’s 30-carat stunner from Richard Burton — a 150-carat diamond ring. And when we say diamond ring, we literally mean a diamond ring. As in: an entire ring completely made out of a huge chunk of diamond, and nothing else.

It took the team at Shawish a year to carve the dazzler (understandable) — and don’t even think about trying to make a copy of the design; it’s already been copyrighted. This baby is expected for sell for a low, low price of $70 million.

Guys, we’re single and ready to mingle.

What do you think of the ring? Are you a fan?

 More from Styleite: DKNY Unveils $1 Million Perfume

How Much Does The Most Expensive T-Shirt In The World Cost?

$200,000 Birkin Sets Record For Most Expensive Handbag Sale

Intelligent Life

Brave and beautiful: Actress Cate Blanchett went without makeup for the latest cover of Intelligent Life magazine.

By Julia Rubin, Styleite

Intelligent Life — The Economist‘s lifestyle and culture magazine — went where few (but increasingly more!) publications have gone before: the unairbrushed cover.

Cate Blanchett fronts the latest issue of the bi-monthly, a cover choice explained by Intelligent Life editor Tim de Lisle on the magazine’s website:

When other magazines photograph actresses, they routinely end up running heavily Photoshopped images, with every last wrinkle expunged. Their skin is rendered so improbably smooth that, with the biggest stars, you wonder why the photographer didn’t just do a shoot with their waxwork.

Cate Blanchett, by contrast, appears on our cover in her working clothes, with the odd line on her face and faint bags under her eyes. She looks like what she is — a woman of 42, spending her days in an office, her evenings on stage and the rest of her time looking after three young children. We can’t be too self-righteous about it, because, like anyone else who puts her on a cover, we are benefiting from her beauty and distinction. But the shot is at least trying to reflect real life. It’s a curious sign of the times that this has become something to shout about.

But the cover doesn’t just make a statement about Photoshop, it also makes one about the sometimes dicey ethics of magazine photography. Tim de Lisle explained: “Publishers want a recognizable person on the cover, with a real career; but they also want an empty vessel — for clothes and jewelry and makeup, which often seem to be supplied by the advertisers with the most muscle.”

We think Cate looks amazing, fine lines and all. She is, after all, genetically blessed. (She also appears to be wearing a little bit of makeup.) Of course, this isn’t a totally novel concept. Marie Claire featured an un-airbrushed (and supposedly makeup-free) Jessica Simpson on its May 2010 cover, Harper’s Bazaar featured a fairly natural-faced Lady Gaga for its May 2011 issue, and Glamour pledged to tone down its use of Photoshop. Make Up Forever even did an entire un-retouched ad campaign.

Still, we’re impressed.

What do you think of Cate Blanchett's newest magazine cover? And airbrushing in general?

More from Styleite: This Is What An Unretouched Makeup Campaign Looks Like

Kardashian Sisters Get Seriously Photoshopped In New Denim Line Ads

Does Taylor Swift’s CoverGirl Ad Deserve To Be Banned?

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Got the blues: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, pose before the state dinner at the White House on March 14.

By Verena von Pfetten, Styleite

While Anna Wintour was prudently recycling her Chanel couture, first lady Michelle Obama opted not only for a brand new dress, but a brand new-to-her designer.

For last night’s stated dinner hosting U.K. prime minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron, Michelle wore a dark teal Marchesa, featuring a short train, ruched bodice, and off the shoulder neckline. She accessorized by piling on blue, grey, teal, navy, and silver pearls (which may or may not have been part of a single necklace) and wore her hair in a clean updo.

In what we can only imagine was a coordinated move — a quick call between assistants, no? — Cameron wore a navy Alessandra Rich gown, featuring a floral pattern of small sequins, and shoes from U.K. High Street shop Next. According to the pool report, as the Camerons stepped out of their town car, Michelle Obama turned to Barack and said “They look better than us.”

We’ll call it a tie.

Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

First in fashion: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, opted for blue hues.

Jonathan Ernst / Reuters

The whole gang: U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha show off their black tie style.

More from Styleite: What Does Michelle Obama Wear To Play Basketball?

Michelle’s Dance Moves Are Better Than Beyonce’s

Michelle Obama Competes Against Jimmy Fallon

This winning H&M style from NBC's Fashion Star, available in blue and black, is sold out online. But you can still get it in H&M stores!

By Verena von Pfetten, Styleite

The first episode of NBC’s "Fashion Star" aired last night and if today’s sales are anything to go by, it’s off to a great start. Not only did all three retailers — Saks, Macy’s, and H&M — purchase items from the designers, but at least one of the winning looks sold out in under an hour.

A quick refresher: Yes, "Fashion Star" is a design-focused reality competition show, but "Project Runway" it is not. Instead of judges, the contestants present to real-life buyers from some of the world’s largest retailers. Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos act as mentors and the goal of the show isn’t just to get to the next round. Buyers not only pick the weekly winner, but also purchase designs to sell in their stores, each of which is made available as soon as the credits start rolling.

Nikki Poulous' Fashion Star design for Macy's sells for $89.

Last night, Macy’s proved to be the most free-spending of the stores, purchasing a total of three looks in several iterations (available for purchase at Macys.com), while H&M may in fact have the best eye. Sarah Parrout’s cut-out mini-dress, which she showed in turquoise cotton and black leather — and which H&M sold for $19.95 — was snapped up online in under 45 minutes, according to H&M. The good news is, per H&M’s Twitter, that the dress is still available in stores.

The winning Fashion Star design, by Orly Shani, retails for $350 at Saks.

Orly Shani’s zipper mini skirt, which Saks produced in a beaded chiffon, also sold out, despite it having the highest price tag of all the designs at $350.

Would you buy these designs? Are you fan of the new show?

Jessica Simpson, Naked And Very Pregnant On ELLE’s Cover

Nicole Richie Responds To Fashion Star's Sexist Designer

Jessica Simpson Struggles To Pronounce ‘Massachusetts’