Archive: October 25th, 2006

Mary-Kate Olsen seems to be in a fashion time warp — first the Eighties and now the Nineties. The petite star emerged yesterday in an outfit reminiscent of the Grunge look popularized by bands like Nirvana — oversize flannel shirt and all. But like some other starlets we know, she seems to have left her pants at home, opting for thin leggings and ultra-clunky Balenciaga boots (and bag) to complete the look. We think leggings are great as a layering tool under long (read mid-thigh) tunics or sweaters, but with just a buttondown, Mary-Kate looks a tad overexposed. Tell us: What do you think of Mary-Kate’s look? Love it or hate it?

To see more of Mary-Kate’s style, click here to read other Off The Rack stories about her.

Photo: RAMEY

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Sad that Project Runway has left you with nothing to watch on Wednesday nights? Make like Nick Verreos, former Project Runway contestant and blogger-extraordinaire, and bridge the gap between fashion and food. Verreos designed the signature apron for Bravo’s Top Chef 2, and with the mod knife graphics to the bold lettering, it is way more Heidi Klum than Betty Crocker. If you love Nick’s apron too, click here to purchase it for $40. And it doesn’t matter if you can’t cook– Verreos jokes that he’ll “be wearing the apron when I get on the phone to order out!!” That’s what we call “making it work!”

For more on Top chef, visit Bravotv.com.

Photo: Courtesy Bravo

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Evening updos can be daunting to most women, and many red carpet updos seem impossible to do on your own (no wonder Jessica Simpson is best friends with her hairdresser!). But this look couldn’t be easier — just combine a slightly messy bun with a thin black elastic headband. — Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

1. Freshly washed hair is too slippery to stay in place in an updo. Try to wash your hair the day before or fake it with a product like Jonathan Dirt Paste).

2. Start by pulling your hair back and smoothing it down across the crown with a brush or your fingers, depending on the texture of your hair. Curly or wavy hair can be left a little messy, like Sarah Michelle Gellar’s (left).

3. Secure the high bun with bobby pins, preferably ones that blend into your hair tone. Skip elastic bands, which can make the bun stand off your head.

4. Put the elastic band on, setting it closer to your forehead than the bun. Make sure that your band is comfortable so you don’t spend the entire evening with a headache! A touch of hair spray and you’re out the door.

Wanna see more Off The Rack stories about hair? Click here to read more. Don’t miss our hot Beauty Trends gallery for this look and more. Click here to check it out.

Photo: BARRY TALESNICK/IPOL/GLOBE

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More than one reader asked us: “Do you know what kind of slings Gavin and Gwen have been using? It looks as if baby kingston is very secure.”

It’s true! Baby Kingston does always looks comfy and adorable in the slings parents Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale tote him around in. Now, your little tike can be too. Gwen’s funky reversible leopard/orange one from The Rockin’ Baby Shop, is totally sold out for now, but check out the others they do have by clicking here. FYI, Gwen is in good company– Angelina Jolie and Courteney Cox are also fans of the Rockin’ baby slings. Gavin’s simple black one and Gwen’s white floral one (not pictured) are both from the OOPA Baby Shop, whose celebrity fans also include Kate Hudson and Brooke Shields. Kingston might be spotted in his slings for awhile since they are sturdy enough to hold infants and toddler. Could Hollywood be saying good-bye to strollers? — Andrea DeSimone

To see more readers’ questions answered in Off The Rack, click here.

Photo: Friolo-Flores/Splash News; Jean/AAD/star max

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