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Are you getting your money’s worth when you buy dinner? Probably, or you wouldn’t keep paying that price, and go somewhere elsewhere to eat out. The same applies to clothing and shelter. Almost no one continues to pay more for something than they feel it is worth. In fact, that’s the meaning of un-affordable – something that doesn’t give you equal value for what you are able to pay. The Tax Foundation has a report that might open your eyes. It says Americans are paying more in taxes than they pay for food, clothing and shelter combined...

Apparel News covers great story about an immigrant who is contributing to American productivity by promoting small US clothing companies. “The goal is to find as many American-made brands and support them,” she said. “I would like to be the Amazon.com for everything made in the USA.” To do that, she recently launched an e-commerce site dedicated exclusively to selling domestically crafted garments and accessories that she and her team have selected from scouring various sources in the heart of the downtown Los Angeles Fashion District, the Internet and trade shows. (Interesting read on what inspired founder).

Newton schools are asking parents to have their kids leave so-called "celebratory" clothing at home. They’re talking about accessories or clothes given out at a birthday parties or other celebrations that kids then wear to class on Monday. School officials say this is becoming a trend at Oak Hill and other Newton middle schools. They say it leads to other kids feeling excluded and reminded they were not included in the festivities.

he girls on The Only Way is Essex might not look like rocket scientists, but new research suggests that they are much cleverer that their skimpy outfits may lead you to believe. A study into human perceptions has discovered that revealing more flesh can significantly change the way we think - about both men and women. If we see someone wearing revealing attire we automatically assume they are less competent. The findings were revealed in a study by a team of psychologists led by Professor Kurt Gray, from the University of Maryland. He said: 'In six studies we show that...

"A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers' breadth under the pit of the throat;; which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows; and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore, dresses of transparent material are improper." (The Cardinal vicar of Pope Pius XI) Marylike is modest without compromise, "like Mary", Christ's Mother. Marylike dresses have sleeves extending at least to the elbows; and skirts reaching below the knees. Acceptable Marylike Standards have been revealed in many private revelations since 1917 throughout the world. One of these standards is the dress...

Churches across France have become overrun by tourists in skimpy beachwear, showing off bare stomachs and wearing baseball caps, according to priests who have spoken out about the drop in standards. A report in regional newspaper Midi Libre claims that religious leaders have tired of the increasingly disrespectful dress codes of some visitors. “Our church is right by the beach,” said Father Martin Gabet of the Notre Dame des Anges de Collioure church, close to the Spanish border. “As a result, lots of people come in wearing their swimwear. There have even been people who come in just to change...

If 10-year-olds can't drive to the mall or earn a paycheck, how are they ending up clad in push-up bras, tube tops and low-riding jeans? It's parents' fault, says CNN contributor LZ Granderson, who chides moms and dads in his column "Parents, don't dress your girls like tramps."

...In 1996, top-loaders were pretty much the only type of washer around...Consumer Reports tested 18 models, 13 were "excellent" and five were "very good." By 2007, though, not one was excellent and seven out of 21 were "fair" or "poor." ...The culprit is the federal government's obsession with energy efficiency...washer standards demonstrate the harmfulness of the ever-growing body of efficiency mandates.

Over the years, the 'Brother Leader' has cultivated a collection of bizarre ensembles. But after four decades as a ruthless autocrat, the Libyan strongman probably does not get much push back from his tailor

You paid more last month for practically everything you bought. From food to gas to airfare tickets - even clothing. And now the price of everything is about to go up again. A new report from The Labor Department indicates its concern about inflation, and businesses are claiming they can't absorb the rising cost of commodities alone. Many say they'll have no choice but to raise prices and shrink packages. Frustrating stuff for an economy that's supposed to be recovering. "Things are just not going well," says Charlotte resident Lisa Bettinghouse. "You have to eat, but you can only have...

The Fort Lauderdale stick-up man, whose droopy wardrobe earned him the nickname "Saggy Pants Robber" and whose hold-up spree ended after he was shot in the buttocks in 2009, will be trading his trousers for prison garb. Luke Singletary, 21, was sentenced Thursday to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to a host of armed robberies across Broward in 2009, according to information provided by the office of Wilfredo A, Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. When Singletary was nabbed that year, he was shot in the rear by Broward sheriff's deputies.

You must first decide for whom you are dressing. If it is for other women, I have few rules to offer and no advice to give. I will not pretend to understand the infinite gradations of behavior and microscopically subtle signaling women use to communicate with each other. I’ll give one example of such signaling. A female asked me to read over an email that she was going to send to another female. The subject was of political importance. I began to read the email aloud. “Sally…,” I said, for this was the opening, but I was stopped immediately by...

A new worry has emerged for cash-strapped shoppers: higher clothing prices. That's right, on top of a shaky job market, high unemployment and little wage growth, consumers may soon be forced to dig deeper when clothes shopping. The bad news bombshell was dropped yesterday by Jones Group -- the New York-based apparel company that makes department-store staples like Nine West and Anne Klein -- which warned that the rising cost of manufacturing, shipping and raw materials, like cotton, is squeezing margins, and that retailers will likely be forced to raise prices to shore up profits.

If you’re wearing a jacket (and you should) that has a breast pocket, that pocket should be filled to overflowing with a pocket “square”. The material of this object must only be cotton, linen, or silk. Polyester or any blend is forbidden because it looks cheesy. Why wear one? Several reasons. The pocket square, like the tie, breaks up the monotony caused by draping one’s chest entirely in one fabric. Nobody now has the fortitude to wear a boutonniere, but these provide the same effect. The more the jacket angles towards one color and lack of pattern, the more the...

Esquire Magazine discovered a secret technique used in the pants making industry called "vanity sizing," a merchandizing trick of sizes that make you feel good and want to buy the clothes. Eyewitness News bought four pairs of labeled 36-inch waist pants from different retailers. Old Navy's pants measured 39 inches and H&M at 39.5 inches, while Banana Republic and The Gap both came in at 40 inches. Esquire Magazine's own test measured H&M's size 36-inch dress pants as 37 inches, Calvin Klein's Dylan pant as 38.5 inches, and The Gap as 39 inches. The worst was Old Navy, coming in...

Admittedly one cannot offhand buy a chateaux, vineyard, or standing in society, but still, the fashion can be emulated at the very least. The usual stereotypical chic in France, among those who own vineyards is that of a shabby wardrobe, messy hygiene, and an almost wan expression that speaks of the ennui of the cultivated aristocrat who lives tending his vineyards.

What makes military style clothing so irresistible to women? Whatever the “it” is, this hot trend has erupted like a volcano during the past few years with a widespread incorporation into the fashion industry and women’s wardrobes of everything from fatigues to camouflage outfits.

Pinto, a favorite designer of Michelle Obama, closes boutique By Shia Kapos Feb. 15, 2010 Despite a recent renaissance that led her gowns to the White House, Mario Pinto's West Side boutique didn't make it. The Chicago fashion designer, whose garments have been favored by first lady Michelle Obama, told industry insiders just a few months ago that her company was thriving and she was considering seeking private-equity investment. But the shop is now shuttered. Neither Ms. Pinto nor her media handler returned calls. Clients were stunned yet not completely surprised by the news, given the economic times. Ms. Pinto...

Miley Cyrus's nine-year-old sister is set to raise eyebrows again with news she is launching a clothing line for children. Noah, who is not even high school age yet, is teaming up with best friend Emily Grace Reaves, eight, and Ooh! La, La! Couture designers for the project. The two youngsters will release the 'trendy, sweet, yet edgy' designs in time for Valentine's Day. However, parents may raise an eyebrow or two at the grown-up nature of the slightly risqué designs.

Sudanese Muslim officials arrest tens of thousands of women a year for wearing "indecent clothing,” including trousers, and many have been fined and subjected to 40 whip lashes. One woman tells related the story after being spared the punishment, apparently because she attracted too much bad publicity...

Workwear is the clothing worn by almost mythical American figures - cowboys, miners, farmers and railroad engineers. Right now it's trending chic. Big-name international designers are collaborating with so-called U.S. heritage brands warmed back to life by fashion's bright lights. This matters not at all to many men, from high school students to octogenarians, who've always worn this stuff because it keeps them warm, it keeps them dry and it lasts close to forever. If it seems a bit jarring that workwear is enjoying a moment when unemployment is high, job creation low and the median household income falling nationwide...

New York - The birthday boy was turning 6, and my own young son and I arrived at the celebration in our somewhat loose definition of party clothes: Timothy in his best bluejeans and a tiny button-down shirt with stripes the colors of popsicles. The party room was filled with balloons; parents drinking coffee; a stray baby sister or two; and a dozen little boys, more than half of whom were dressed in various pieces of camouflage sportswear. Together, they suggested a small army squad. For a moment, I thought I must have missed something in the invitation – that...

The first pics of the much anticipated Jimmy Choo for H&M collaboration have leaked out. As it was announced, the menswear and men’s accessories will also hit the stores when the whole collection launches on November 14, 2009. The folks over at mencloset.com have a sneak preview of the men’s clothes, belts, shoes and bags which look so surprisingly cool, we’ll probably grab something for ourselves.

NAJAF — The Iraqi provincial government recently received three pallets of humanitarian relief supplies from organizations in the United States, which they will distribute to the local populace here. "Helping people who are less fortunate is always a good thing whether in your home town or across the world," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Fred Harmon, project coordinator. "It is important because it is a capacity-building effort," added U.S. Army Lt. Col. Roberto L. Garcia, a civil affairs officer with the 308th Civil Affairs Brigade in Homewood, Ill., and project coordinator back in the States. "It not only helps one...

The resort collections have previously been regarded as a luxurious collection created for those who spend Christmas in Buenos Aires or the French Riviera. More and more, the resort and pre-fall collections have become increasingly more important. They act as a bridge for collections from fall to spring, and these collections tend to be less expensive (gasp!) and often more wearable! With the future of runway uncertain in these tough economic times the spotlight is on resort. Below are the top 5 resort/cruise collections. CHANELThe Kaiser Karl always knows how to make an impact and this collection was no exception....

While companies across the country are downsizing, some in the fashion world have decided that it's time for a bit of upsizing. This spring, the cheap chic emporiums, Target and Forever 21, will launch plus-size lines for teenagers. Forever 21's line, Faith 21, will have sizes ranging from XL-2X, while Target's Pure Energy line will go up to a size 30. It's about time, said several shoppers scouring the crowded racks of a Forever 21 branch in downtown Manhattan, New York, one recent afternoon. "I would love to be able to shop in one store with my friends that are...

A glove that works as a cell phone, a vest that senses danger and a tank top that measures heart rate. It seems that the hi-tech textiles by Swedish School of Textiles researcher Lena Berglin could turn anyone into a superhero.

The Fashion Police at thefashiontime.com’s headquarters are reporting that you won’t survive this new season without some funny dots on your clothing. Pollini, Loewe, Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Wunderkind, Giles, House of Holland and Dolce&Gabbana all share the same opinion. We tend to believe it’s time to go “dotty!”

Another season, another slew of fashionistas strutting through Bryant Park. This season the topic du jour is the foreboding recession. In New York we have seen those designers clearly affected by it in their work, and those that remain either optimistic or oblivious to it if business is good! Here are the top 5 New York Autumn Winter fashion shows: Marc JacobsThe recession seemed to be looming over Bryant Park this season and although it was apparent in the Marc Jacobs logistics (he downgraded his runway show by about 1000 people!) it was absolutely a different case on the runway....

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2009 – A troop-support group that provides clothing specially adapted for wounded troops recovering in military hospitals, will roll out a new line of garments later this year. Wounded soldiers show off their Sew Much Comfort adaptive T-shirts while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The troop-support group provides adaptive clothing free of charge to support the unique needs of injured servicemembers. Courtesy photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “We are working on wheelchair garments and halo shirts,” Michele Cuppy, president of Sew Much Comfort, said. “We are also working...

Barring a reprieve, regulations set to take effect next month could force thousands of clothing retailers and thrift stores to throw away trunkloads of children's clothing. The law, aimed at keeping lead-filled merchandise away from children, mandates that all products sold for those age 12 and younger -- including clothing -- be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics more pliable. Those that haven't been tested will be considered hazardous, regardless of whether they actually contain lead.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission gives a preliminary OK to exempt some items from testing after complaints of hardship to thrift stores and sellers of handmade toys. By Alana Semuels January 7, 2009 The Consumer Product Safety Commission has given preliminary approval to changes in new lead-testing rules after complaints that the measures could have forced thrift stores and sellers of handmade toys to dispose of merchandise or even go out of business.

Trent Hamm at thesimpledollar.com writes in his January 3 entry (excerpted) : "For those of you who haven’t heard the news yet, on February 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act comes into effect. One of the major changes that this program will bring into play is a mandate that everything sold for children 12 and younger will have to be tested for lead and phthalates, and anything that isn’t tested (or that fails) will be considered hazardous and cannot be sold. Read more about the CPSIA at the L.A. Times and some interesting blog commentary from the fashion...

New taxes, deep cuts to education and health care, and a restructuring of the state's economic development programs will be hallmarks of Gov. David Paterson's first budget plan to be released in two days, according to interviews of people briefed on components. The plan will come with a host of revenue raisers — increased taxes on hospitals and insurance policies, for instance — and at least one new assessment, a so-called obesity tax on non-diet soda to raise $404 million. The governor also is contemplating requiring new license plates to raise cash, reviving sales tax on clothing purchases, removing the...

Who said men’s pajamas and underwear belong only to men? For Spring 2009, designers delivered these intimate pieces specially for women. You have Dolce & Gabbana, Kris Van Assche, Yves Saint Laurent, and Etro to blame for this new trend. Dolce & Gabbana, Kris Van Assche, Etro, Yves Saint Laurent

Hi Bill, In your recent Townhall piece you posit that there are Republicans who feel that Governor Palin is too unqualified to lead, so it's better for them if they maginalize her now so they won't have to deal with her again in 2012. You couldn't be more wrong. Her assailants, from the Right and the Left (and the media..., ahem) have seen what she has done in Alaska as Governor. Huge Oil Company lobbies shut down. Oil revenues going into the hands of the voters. Powerful, entrenched "old boy network" mavens gone, castrated, or in jail... Democrats and Republicans....

From military inspired to A-lined, fur trimmed to cocoon, find your perfect winter coat. The Fashion Time Magazine editors select the 20 best coats from the Fall/Winter ’09 runways. Ruffian Dsquared²

Video here. Classic line when she refers to the flag pin, an "accessory" Obama dislikes. Anyone who has pictures of Sarah Palin, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Laura Ingraham, and other both principled and attractive conservative women, please post them all here. Who can post the most? Let the contest begin.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Republican John McCain said Sunday that one-third of the $150,000 that the GOP spent on clothing and accessories for his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and her family, "is given back."

Video here. Who agrees that she looks very very good in it? Perhaps they should call it a smoking jacket, because she looks smoking hot in it!

About that $150,000 that the RNC spent for campaign appearances sake on Clan Palin... The liberals and their captive media outlets, MSDNC in particular, have been howling like lonesome coyotes over it. They don't seem to think that the $5 Million and change that was spent to move Barack Obama's acceptance speech from Denver's Pepsi Center to Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium is in any way as audacious as dropping a mere $150K on Gov. Palin and her family. Okay, we can play that game. Forget the Night of The Greek Columns. By the strangest of political coincidences, $150,000...

After putting it on Thursday's front page, the New York Times was still harping on Gov. Palin's wardrobe and who picked it out in three I.Q. melting stories in Friday's edition: "Wardrobe Mysteries Linger..." by Michael Luo and Eric Wilson, "...And a Whiff of Clarity" by Luo alone, plus a Metro section story. In "Clarity," Luo tried to nail down the role in this grand conspiracy of one "Lisa A. Kine." The F.E.C. records showed a "Lisa L. Kine" was reimbursed for more than $2,000 in charges, including those made at Pacifier, as well as others at Macy's, the Gap,...

Hilarity is the operative term whenever liberals try to make an issue out of spending, either personally or by government. The latest example is the comical reaction of the left to the upgrade of Governor Palin's wardrobe, reportedly costing the Republican party $150,000. To begin with, of course, is the fact that the tab for this wardrobe enhancement is not, we repeat not, a taxpayer funded expenditure. The second point is that Governor Palin is such a drop-dead beauty that crowing her with the most pricey and luxurious clothing available is not only appropriate, but it is actually also mandatory...

So now we learn that the RNC shelled out $150,000 for clothing, hair, and make-up for Sarah Palin since her surprise nomination. Scandal! Gotcha! Such hypocrisy! If she wants the Joe Six-pack vote, the "logic" goes, why isn't she wearing clothes from Target? Huh? While everyone seems to get that Palin had to have an emergency make-over for prime time, this particular number offends — as does the fact that she didn't pay for it herself. Was a new wardrobe neccessary? Clearly. Last winter, when she posed for Vogue, Governor Palin wore a big, army green parka, (partly to hide...

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the Republican Party decided to coordinate expenses with John McCain's presidential campaign, who knew it would be color coordinated. The Republican National Committee spent about $150,000 on clothing, hair styling, makeup and other "campaign accessories" in September for the McCain campaign after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin joined the ticket as his running mate. The McCain campaign now says the clothing will go to a "charitable purpose" after the campaign. The expenses include $75,062 spent at Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis and $41,850 in St. Louis in early September. The committee also reported spending $4,100 for makeup and...

The Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family since her surprise pick by John McCain in late August. According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74. The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September. The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in August. The...

The Republican National Committee has spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family since her surprise pick by John McCain in late August. According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74. The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September. The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in August. The...

Yes, the Republican Party spent a fair chunk of change to spruce up Sarah Palin's wardrobe as she made her entree onto the national political scene. But after the campaign ends, the new clothes purchased for her and some family members are headed to charities. "It was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign," said Tracey Schmitt of John McCain's campaign.

The Republican National Committee appears to have spent more than $150,000 to clothe and accessorize vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and her family since her surprise pick by John McCain in late August. According to financial disclosure records, the accessorizing began in early September and included bills from Saks Fifth Avenue in St. Louis and New York for a combined $49,425.74. The records also document a couple of big-time shopping trips to Neiman Marcus in Minneapolis, including one $75,062.63 spree in early September. The RNC also spent $4,716.49 on hair and makeup through September after reporting no such costs in...

Structured jackets and coats are not easy to put on, but they give your silhouette an edgy shape and a sculptured look. Architectural shoulders and asymmetrical dresses are du jour (think of Balenciaga, Jil Sander and Calvin Klein). Giambattista Valli, Jil Sander, Marc Jacobs, Jiles Fall/Winter ‘09>