"Flame" The New Cologne By Burger King

Have you heard? Burger King has just come out with its own cologne. Bet you can’t guess what it smells like. Yup you got it the cologne which quite appropriately is called “Flame” is scented like Burger Kings delicious flame broiled ground beef. Now I know I shouldn’t judge because I haven’t yet experienced the olfactory adventure that is “Flame” but my first instinct is ewe gross. I don’t know about you but the last thing I want my husband to smell like is beef. If he came home smelling like flame broiled meat I would ask him to shower and change.

Why in the world would anyone choose to smell like a burger? I know that men typically love red meat but honestly is there a man out there who would dose himself in cologne in order to smell like his favorite meal. The impression I get from commercials for body sprays like “Axe” or “Tag” there is a purpose to smelling good. Attracting babes! According to the marketing for those products if you smell good then you will look good too! (Wrong-o boys) But I am pretty sure that if the choice is between a man wearing “Flame” versus a man wearing legitimate cologne the man who doesn’t smell like beef will get the girl!

In My Opinion: The Worst Fashion Item of 2008!

The croc shoe in my opinion was the worst fashion item of 2008. These croc shoes were first created to be an outdoor product mainly for boating and water sports, not to wear with your favorite pair of jeans. Yes, they are comfortably but they are not a fashion item to be worn out to dinner with friends. They are great for the beach or if you are working in your backyard. And what’s up with the pins. Croc shoes will always look hideous no matter how many pins you decorate your croc shoe with. I guess I will never understand why the croc shoe is so popular. What do you think was the worst fashion item of 2008?

By Diane

Your Best Gift?

What was the best gift you received this year? Share your favorite presents with us! Maybe it is something you are going to buy yourself with a holiday gift card or check. Let us know!

In the Mood

How do YOU show the world what kind of mood you're in? Do you start with a smile, a frown, your favorite sweater, request a quiet dinner for two or call your friends for a girls night out? The Grinch (by Dr. Seuss) showed everyone his new happy mood with his homemade Santa suit and big smile! Me? I start with the clothes of course and go from there!

Clothes are the outward expression of my feelings, a key to my thoughts, a guide to my personality and sometimes, a very clear indication that it is laundry day!

At work, take one look at me and you will know what my mood is. Fancy suit and heels? I'm all business and trying so hard to look and act like a business woman, can't you just see the concentration in my eyes?! Dress pants and a sassy sweater, hmmm, I must have more meetings than usual today, dressed for business and comfort and sure hoping there's time for lunch! Jeans, a nice sweater and my favorite loafers? My favorite kind of day. I'm workin' hard on some projects, but come on in, what can I help you with? I'm always up for a challenge.

Have you stopped to take a look at your current wardrobe? Do you find that you buy one style of clothing with one friend and a different style with another? On some days do you buy or prefer to wear certain colors? If you are sad, do you try to wear something that will cheer you up or do you go with it and revel in your misery? (that's ok, sometimes I "go with it" too)

Take a look sometime at the people around you, do you think you can tell what their mood is? I bet if you pay really close attention you will be able to tell. Maybe you will start to see how your mood can effect the clothes you select and how your clothes can change your mood!

-Kyndall

Christmas PJ's

Merry Christmas!

Tonight is Christmas Eve and I am getting ready to enjoy an evening of family, food and fun. My older sister Katie and I always get dressed up for Christmas Eve since we go to church that night. Often times the gift she gives me for Christmas is an outfit for me to wear to mass. However, once we arrive home, we always put on our coordinating Christmas PJ's. We have been doing this for years! We actually wear them all day on Christmas. Is is a rule in our house now that we are adults that everyone stay in their pj's all day on Christmas.

It all started because our Grandmother used to make us coordinating flannel PJ's with coordinating bonnets and all! (see photo from 1982)

I look forward to wearing my coordinating PJ's from Thanksgiving on! We have even gone to the extreme of buying the Aunts and my husband and brother in law coordinating PJ's too!

Last year my brother in law would not play along so he had to wear a Grumpy Santa hat to dinner (that we had bought at Disney) otherwise we told him he would not get dinner!

I know I am not the only one who partakes in the Christmas PJ's. It is the only holiday where you can find tons of PJ's dedicated to the celebration of Christmas! Even in the Christmas Story Ralphie gets bunny PJ's from his Aunt for Christmas!

I don't think I could get any of my relatives to wear bunny PJ's... but none the less Christmas PJ's are big part of our family celebration!

So-- Merry Christmas everyone! Enjoy your holiday. Sleep tight tonight in your PJ's and maybe Santa will bring you everything you want this Christmas!

by Gabby

Fit Matters

Why do we stress out so much over the size of our clothes?
Seriously, it's just a number. Why should it matter if it's an 8 or 10 or 12, or whatever. If we find something we love in "our size" and it is just a bit too snug, we shouldn't be afraid to go up a size, or even two. There are so many fitted styles out there right now. Why shouldn't we be able to wear them even if we are not the perfect size 8! The important thing is to find the size that fits you best.

Don't get hung up on the numbers. We have enough stresses in our lives, this should not be one of them. So girls, let's just let this one go....

So, if it's something you really love, then for goodness sake get it in the right fit for you, regardless of the size. No one will know but you and you will feel great because you'll look fabulous!

Goldie

BAH HUM BUG

Dear Santa,

Every year I stress about Christmas. I know this is your time of year, but why does it have to be so dreadful for me. I can’t sleep; I can’t eat thinking about this Holiday and all it entails. Call me a grinch if you like, but why does Christmas have to be so stressful?

The biggest problem is money and having enough of it to buy presents for everyone, so after Thanksgiving I start budgeting and realize that there will never be enough money to go round so how about this year you leave a cash advance in my stocking for next year’s Christmas gifts ???

I hate Christmas shopping! Every year I say I’ll start shopping early, but every year I’m shopping up to the last minute fighting crazy traffic and waiting in 20 minute long check out lines…ugh!

What about all the thought that goes into buying Christmas gifts anyway? I like my gifts to be meaningful so I put a lot of thought into each one, maybe too much thought…? That could be why it takes me so long to get all that shopping done???

Once I actually finish the shopping, you can find me gift wrapping by the tree on Christmas Eve just before my family arrives for the pre-Christmas festivities. At this point I’m not only wrapping gifts, but I’m also cooking, cleaning, and getting dressed…multi tasking at its best!

Speaking of Christmas trees, every year I wonder if I should get a real tree or put up the fake one that I got from Walmart last year, lights included? Then I reminisce back to Christmas of 2005, when my real tree stayed up till the end January and every last pine needle feel to the ground as it was dragged through the living room, then the kitchen, then down the stairs till it finally reached the side walk. I guess I’ll go with the fake one again this year.

Since I decided to go with the fake tree, I now have to spend some time making it look real, adjusting and fluffing each branch to fill in the holes so no one sees the medal rod down the center holding the tree together. Then there’s decorating the tree. Is it just me or does every ornament have to be perfectly placed so they are equaled spaced apart from each other…well, that’s the way I like it anyway.

And there's the weight thing…how many pounds will it be this year? 5? 10? Oh well, there’s always New Years and that thing called a resolution – this year I resolve to lose all the weight I put on last year!

And my favorite part of Christmas (not!), would be the annoying Christmas music that radio stations love to play starting in late November…as if Christmas wasn’t bad enough. Now I have to be reminded of Christmas and all that stress every time I turn on the radio.

On a positive note, I get to spend time with my family and friends, and eat and drink a lot! That’s what I love about Christmas and that’s what’s most important in my eyes…grinch or not.

EM

My Favorite Holiday Gift

Candy canes, twinkling lights, and long lines for Santa Clause at the mall brings us back to all those childhood Christmas memories. Perhaps these hints that Christmas is coming to town have got you thinking about a special family memory or…maybe a favorite present! Well, cuddle up with a steaming cup of cocoa and I will tell you a story about my childhood.

Early (very early) on a snowy white Christmas morning, I awoke so excited to spend time with my family/presents. My alter tomboy ego had begged for a bike this year. I gathered my family and settled on the couch with my stocking. Family tradition requires that I wait for all red-eyed adults to drink coffee before opening the presents. I test my persuasion skills briefly to lure my father away from the coffeemaker. But, coffee beans and sugar cubes danced in his head. Tick tock and then the adults finally take their proper seats around the brimming tree. We open presents and I toss aside various gifts…Battleship, a paint set, Sea Monkeys.... all very cool, but not “the gift.” One last present remains under the tree measuring approx 14” X 14”. Now, I am no genius, but that’s no bike. I’m already prepared for disappointment as I dramatically tear away the wrapping paper. And behold a bike helmet. What does this mean? Either my parents think I’m accident-prone…or…maybe, they just forgot I don’t own a bike. The confused look on my face caused them to burst into wild laugher. My father disappeared for several minutes as I ponder what has them so happy about my apparent distress. Then, out of nowhere a gleaming green bike rolls up next to the tree! It was the best Christmas gift!

Tell me your favorite Christmas story!

By Jenny

Recession Proof Your Wardrobe

The economy is struggling. Times are tough. But looking good while strapped for cash doesn’t have to be! Its time to “recession proof” your wardrobe. By mixing and matching a few staple items in your closet, your possibilities are endless!

There are several items a woman must own. These are classics that can be paired with a variety of fashion items already in your closet to create many different looks. If you have a little black dress, white button down shirt, and trousers with a classic fit, you have a solid foundation for versatility.

Your basic white shirt can be worn with jeans and boots just as easily as it can be paired with a skirt and heels. Dress up your black dress with pearls and a wrap, or for a less formal occasion it looks great with textured tights and boots. Trousers can easily be worn all week long- with a jacket for work and a turtleneck or fitted tee on the weekend.

If you have a couple bucks and are looking for something new, buy something unique and different that will make you stand out. After all, with everyone cutting back these days, if you have the opportunity to splurge, you’ll want everyone to know!

Finally, a good way to extend the life of clothes that are already in your closet is to accessorize. Accessories can be inexpensive and trendy at the same time. They can make old look new and turn boring into funky.

Most importantly, be comfortable and confident in what you are wearing and you’ll inspire everyone to make do with what they’ve got in the best possible way!

By Sarah

Who wore it best: Jessica Simpson or Jennifer Lopez?

Its time again to pick apart..i mean..compare, celebrities!

In this weeks who wore it best we compare Jessica Simpson to Jennifer Lopez. Who wore this tunic best? Jessica wears it as a top over skinny jeans and JLo takes a sexier approach rockin' this tunic as a dress!!! look at those legs!!

My vote is for JLo!! She looks amazing, and this already overwhelming tunic is simplified by pairing it with nothing but neutral shoes and a great bag! What do you think?

By Beth

Gone to the Dogs

My husband and I have a 7-month-old puggle (pug + beagle = puggle). My mom, who is a seamstress by trade, made Freya a hot pink fleece hoodie to wear for the winter.

Freya seems to love her sweatshirt, especially during our early morning play time (temperatures here have been in the low teens).

I thought this was so cute, I went out and bought her a houndstooth wrap and bright orange “puffer” jacket as well. Once I started looking, I was amazed at how many dog fashions there were out there. You can find them in practically every store from basic (Target) to designer, plus there are dozens of shops online...I even saw a dog fashion blog!

The problem is that my husband is 100% appalled by this, and he and seems to think that people who dress their dogs epitomize all is wrong with society today. He thinks it’s frivolous, unnecessary and a waste of money.

I admit that it’s somewhat silly…but it’s also kind of fun. It’s not like I’m pushing her around in a baby stroller or anything. It’s just a coat…or two...or three.

What do you think: is doggy fashion reasonable or ridiculous?

By Bren B

How High is too High???

Have you ever asked the question, “can I wear high-waist styles?” It seems like everywhere I look, people are wearing them. They are everywhere in the stores but I never know if they are for me. They seem to look flattering on any body type, tall or skinny, big or small. Once you top them off with a high heel pump or boot, they can make anyone’s legs look long! A high waist skirt looks slimming with tights and a high heel pump! If you like the trend, but are not sure what to wear them with, keep in mind you can wear them with any basic top in your closet. It’s all about the pant!

High-waist pants or skirts look great with a blouse/shirt tucked in of course. They can be dressed up with a sheer blouse or dressed down with a basic t-shirt. You can accent them with a skinny belt and a chunky necklace or earrings to complete the look. If you happen to be blessed with a curvy figure, no worries, go for the wide-leg style over the skinny style. Like I said before, I believe they are for any shape or size. What are your thoughts?

By Allie

Employee Interview: Stephanie

1. Who are you and what is your official job title?
Stephanie - Copy Associate

2. Briefly describe what you do on a daily basis...
Editing is a big part--both catalog and web. I write the clothing copy for catalog and web (not headlines in catalog, just clothing stuff). I write a lot of what you see on the web and some emails. Chances are if you spot corny puns or web headlines based on songs... I probably wrote it.

3. What's your favorite part of your job?
Writing for the web allows me to share my attempts at humor. Also, flashing shiny objects at the copywriter (it makes her smile).

4. Least favorite?
Flowing (copy and pasting) what I write into the catalog.

5. What aspect of your job most directly affects our customers?
I'm involved with almost everything you read, either editing or writing it.

6. Do you shop on metrostyle.com?
And not take advantage of my employee discount? Of course.

7. Just one more...what's your favorite food?
Oh you should know that I don't have favorites. Sushi is up there though and not quasi-sushi (a.k.a. California rolls). Yeah I even eat eel. Sounds yummy huh?

Interview by Jon

Spring anyone?

Winter is just beginning but I’m already thinking about Spring!! I wanted to see what the upcoming trends will be for the Spring season & now I’m so excited!! I highlighted just a few & want to see what other people think…

1-Color block trend: I like the idea of mixing bold colors…I’ve never been able to pull it off but I’m ready for a change now!! 2009 is all about being bold for me!

2-Pencil leather skirts, slick leather jackets, dresses and even leather tops are another trend for Spring 2009. I love my leather jackets (actually one of them is not really leather) but I still feel fabulous when I put it on!! I don’t have a leather skirt & not sure If I could pull one off—no idea what to wear with it—any ideas??

By Sally

The Little Black Dress

Ok, Christmas is around the corner and not only are we stressed out looking for that perfect gift for our love ones we need that perfect dress for those holiday parties. So here’s a solution, the little black dress.
Every woman should at least own one little black dress. It’s timeless and it will never fail you. You can always add trendy accessories for a pop of color such as a red patent clutch. Look for details that flatter your shape such as strapless to show off your great shoulders and look for waist detail to show off your amazing hourglass figure. So, if you haven’t already brought a little black dress go out and find one that fits your style. Believe me this is one buy you won’t regret.
By Diane

Sparkle, Shine and Shoes!

Miss Lily and Miss Noelle are my two small nieces. Miss Lily, the big sister, is three years old and she owns more pairs of shoes than her Auntie does. The majority of the shoes she owns are shiny, or sparkly. I’m pretty sure even her sneakers have glitter on them. Every time she gets a new pair of shoes she can not wait to show them off. “Auntie Sara look at my new shoes aren’t they soooo beautiful?” The strange thing about this is that neither her mother nor I have an affinity toward shoes. I own what I need to get by but I do not find joy in shoe shopping. I recently brought her shopping and while I was trying to draw her attention to a new outfit she was busy showing me three pairs of shoes that she needed to have. Although, I did not purchase all three pairs of shoes for fear of feeding into her insatiable appetite for shoes, I did purchase one pair of pink ballet flats with silver sparkles. Although I do not share her joie de chaussures (joy of shoes) I hope that she always keeps her love of sparkle and shine…..and new footwear!

Employee Interview: Chantelle

1. Who are you and what is your official job title?
chantelle - assistant art director

2. Briefly describe what you do on a daily basis...
build layouts, design spreads & covers, edit images, choose shots for the web, create concepts... whatever needs to be done!

3. What's your favorite part of your job?
designing things that our customers will see and experience.

4. Least favorite?
when there's not enough time in the day to get everything done.

5. What aspect of your job most directly affects our customers?
customers shop from the catalog & web pages that i've helped design

6. Do you shop on metrostyle.com?
sometimes

7. Just one more...what's your favorite food?
hard to pick just one! Avocado eggrolls from The Cheesecake Factory, sweet potato quesadillas, eggplant parmesan...

By Jon

addition due to comment request, here's a couple of projects chantelle has worked on...
designed the promotions:

concepted the holiday shop emails:

What is your favorite style of jeans?

The results are in and the Bootcut Jean is the clear winner with 56% of the votes. Here are the final results of last week's poll:


Votes: 346


We have a new question for you this week - What is your favorite suit color? Black? White? Yellow? Be sure to let us know by voting in this week's poll.

Thank you to everyone that voted!

Who Wore It Best: Ashley or Nicky?

Ashley Tisdale and Nicky Hilton were recently spotted donning the same floral dress at TRL and the Blackberry Bold launch, respectively. Who do you think pulled off the look better? Leave your comments and let us know!

By Jon
Found Via Nitrolicious

Diva of the Week: Tyesha McNeal

Tyesha says: “My favorite diva top…got this last year, and it’s still looking good!”

Why we love it: Tyesha wears this top so well! The sheer balloon sleeves make the proportions just right.

And we love, love, love the addition of the belt and bracelet. They add a personal touch and pull the whole look together.


Want to be our Diva of the Week? Send us a picture of you wearing your favorite outfit: mailto:metrostylediva@gmail.com?subject=Diva%20of%20the%20Week&bcc=metrostyleblog@gmail.com

Is the recession affecting your shopping habits?

Everytime I turn on the TV or check my favorite news websites I can't escape all the news about our supposedly failing economy. Though I do believe that times are tough for lots of folks out there it hasn't hit close to home to me quite yet.

In fact, I haven't altered my buying habits at all...just this past weekend I went to the mall and bought a coat for my wife as well as some shirts for myself. Unless I unexpectedly find myself out of a job I don't see myself altering my plans for gift shopping or travel this holiday season.

Has the supposed economic downturn affected how you''ll be spending in the coming weeks?

By Jon