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6 reasons why Ashley Graham is this generation's body-positive icon

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ashley graham

While the phrase "body positivity" can mean something different for everyone, it's no secret that the movement has driven change in the fashion industry and today's culture.

Some shoppers are becoming increasingly fed up with stores that fail to offer a range of sizes. New clothing lines have emerged— and are emerging — as a response to customers' requests for size inclusivity, and brands that fail to cater to a diverse customer base could see their sales affected.

At the heart of the conversation surrounding body positivity in the world of fashion is Ashley Graham, who fights for size inclusivity on and off the runway.

Read more: Pregnant model Ashley Graham posted a nude Instagram photo that showed off her stretch marks, and fans are loving it

Graham has been modeling since age 13, when she was scouted in a mall in Lincoln, Nebraska. At age 17, she graduated high school and moved to New York to move into the next phase of her career as a supermodel.

"While most kids are going through their self-discovery stage in college, my self-discovery stage was in the midst of catwalks, catalogs, and casting calls," she said in her 2015 TED Talk. "Plus-size? More like my size." 

ashley graham CFDA awards outfit

Her modeling career gained traction in 2016 following her historic appearance on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue — which made her the first model categorized as "plus-size" to be featured on front of the magazine. 

Graham doesn't just talk the talk of promoting size inclusivity. She literally walks the walk, from refusing to have her photos retouched, to creating her own size-inclusive clothing lines.

Here's why Ashley Graham is this generation's ultimate body-positivity icon.

She's rejected the "plus-size" label, citing the stigma surrounding the word

ashley graham model

Graham has also been firm in her stance that the label "plus-size" is outdated, whether in putting high-fashion models into groups, or when used in stores and in everyday discussions about style and body image.

"I think the word 'plus-size' is so divisive to women," Graham said in a 2017 interview with "CBS This Morning.""I think that when you use the word 'plus-size' you're putting all these women into a category: 'You don't eat well.' 'You don't work out.' 'You could care less about your body.' 'You're insecure.' 'You have no confidence.'"

One of the first times the model publicly spoke out about her challenges with being labeled plus-size was in her 2015 TED Talk, "Plus-size? More like my size."

During the powerful presentation, Graham shared her experiences being labeled as "pretty, for a big girl," and called on people to look beyond the confines of plus-size.

She fights for designers and brands to recognize a wide range of sizes

Graham has been relentless about the need for size diversity, or the representation of a wide range of sizes, in the fashion industry as a whole, but especially when it comes to clothing stores.

She's spoken up about the realities of not being able to wear certain designers or brands because they weren't willing to cater to her dress size, as well as the conundrum of not being able to find clothes she liked and that were flattering on her body.

"I couldn't find things that fit me the way I wanted them to, and I couldn't find designs that made me feel special, that made me feel like I'm a fashion girl,"Graham told Glamour in an interview.

Curves deserve couture (tap images for designer name) on the cover and pages of August’s @bazaaruk. #beautybeyondsize

A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@ashleygraham) on Jul 26, 2018 at 5:54pm PDT on

In an Instagram post, she wrote, "Curves deserve couture."

"There are many curvy women who are willing to spend money on quality, designer clothing, but often times they are not even given the opportunity because the sizes just don't exist,"Graham said in an interview with British Vogue.

She doesn't tolerate the editing or retouching of her photos

Graham's publicly thanked photographers and publications for not retouching her in photo shoots, such as when she praised a story from Italian Vogue that featured her unedited photos, writing on Instagram, "When they don't retouch you."

ashley graham sports illustrated magazine model

In addition, according to a 2017 story from The Cut, Graham asked the magazine's staff not to retouch her photos. She also apparently told them that if they did do any editing, that they should enhance her cellulite — not erase it.

"It's better to keep the cellulite if you can. You can make it bigger!" she told The Cut staff at the photo shoot, according to the article.

She uses social media to celebrate herself, and her fans are receptive

The former "America's Next Top Model" judge leverages her social media presence to spread messages of body positivity, which makes her a prominent role model among a digitally savvy, connected generation.

Many of Graham's Instagram posts tackle taboos of body features that are often retouched in big photo shoots, from stretch marks to cellulite. Earlier this year, Graham announced her pregnancy on Instagram and shared a photo showing off her stretch marks, and fans showed their support for the model's authenticity.

She's collaborated on clothing lines that include size-inclusive denim, swimsuits, and lingerie

In addition to encouraging existing designers and brands to offer clothes for all sizes, Graham has taken matters into her own hands with her own inclusive clothing collections.

Her collection with Swimsuits For All offers swimwear in sizes 4 through 40 in a variety of styles. She also has a denim line with Marina Rinaldi and a lingerie collection with Addition Elle, both of which have a wide range of sizes.

ashley graham mom 2

She proves that self-worth is not determined by the number on a clothing tag

At a conference hosted by Create & Cultivate, Graham made powerful points about body acceptance and self-love, saying, "It doesn't matter what size or shape you are. You can be healthy." 

"It's not just about our size. It's about our mind, our heart, our emotions. We get so wrapped up in this size conversation," Graham added.

Even though popular culture has seen increased diversity and representation in recent years, there's still progress to be made. Plus, in an era where social media images can make for unhealthy comparisons, especially among younger generations, the world always has room for more body acceptance and positivity.

Thankfully, we can count on Ashley Graham to continue inspiring others with her encouraging words and rejection of outdated standards of beauty.

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The best sewing machines you can buy

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  • High-quality sewing machines are pleasant to use for long periods of time, have stitches for whatever projects you want to work on, and can handle a broad range of fabrics.
  • The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is our top pick because it's ideal for beginners, it's inexpensive, and can reach speeds of up to 1,100 stitches per minutes.

With the easy accessibility of cheap clothing, linens, and other fabric products just a click away, the sewing machine has lost its once prominent place in American homes. However, for people who like completing projects on their own and reducing their consumption, sewing machines are an indispensable part of the household. Plus, these units serve as an excellent way to bond with youngsters and nurture their self-sufficiency.

For the most part, the sewing machine industry is dominated by Singer, Janome, and Brother, though there are some notable exceptions. Kenmore used to be a major player in the market, but its business has eroded under former parent company Sears, which is reorganizing under Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Singer is the top brand with almost half of sewing machine sales. The company offers features and styles that are designed for all skill levels. Brother holds a quarter of the market share and focuses on balancing easy usability with advanced technology and functions for a variety of experience levels and budgets. Lastly, Janome is known for more expensive and advanced computerized machines.

The two main factors you should consider when purchasing a new sewing machine is your skill level and your budget. In our guide, we note which experience levels will benefit most from each machine, including which ones will continue to serve you well as you develop your abilities.

If you have a limited budget, you need to pay closer attention to the features and extras that you really need. For the most part, added functionality comes with a price, but there are deals to be found if you are willing to live without some accessories. For example, some of the more affordable units don't come with carrying cases and have limited stitch options. This might be fine if you have a dedicated space for your machine and are not interested in monogramming or embroidery.

While researching the best sewing machines, we read through hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features machines that have a track record or performance, durability, and versatility.

Here are the best sewing machines you can buy:

Updated on 07/09/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best serger sewing machines you can buy

The best sewing machine overall

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is designed with the beginner in mind with its intuitive interface, ability to handle all types of fabrics, and one-step buttonholes.

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machineonly has 23 stitches — 6 basic, 12 decorative, 4 stretch, and a 1-step buttonhole — but it's a workhorse with its heavy-duty mechanical design.

It has the ability to make 1,100 stitches per minute so you can complete your projects faster. The top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, and the clear cover allows you to monitor how much thread is left. The built-in needle threader is also convenient for effortless threading with minimal frustration.

The kit comes with a soft-sided dust cover, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, quilting guide, seam ripper/lint brush, and all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet.

Wirecutter recommends the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machinefor beginners and casual sewers because it's affordable, can handle an array of fabrics, and is easy to use. It found that a beginner could sit down and use this machine without spending much time reading the manual. It also makes excellent buttonholes perfectly sized for your button. However, the reviewer points out that there only appear to be two speeds, fast and slow. And, the machine gets quite noisy.

Sew Orbit and Best Sewing Machine for Beginners Today blogs also recommend this machine.

More than 2,600 Amazon buyers posted positive reviews of the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine. One customer, at first, initiated a return because he had trouble getting the thread tension right and experienced countless bobbin jams, even though he watched several video tutorials. After some more research, he learned that it works well when he uses the felt bobbin spacer, only uses plastic bobbins, and threads it correctly.

Other buyers were impressed with how durable this machine feels and how it can handle heavy-duty fabrics, such as leather and vinyl.

Pros: Achieves up to 1,100 stitches per minutes, handles heavy-duty fabrics, easy to use, makes great buttonholes, affordable

Cons: Only two speeds and 23 stitches

Buy the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine on Amazon for $134.99



The best computerized sewing machine

If you are looking for a sewing machine that will keep pace with your improving abilities, the Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine is a smart choice with its computerized stitch selection and durable design.

The Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine features a small backlit LCD screen that lets you choose from 30 stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes. Using the touch buttons, you can also see what stitch length and width you've selected. There are convenient buttons for tying off the end of the thread, reversing direction, and starting/stopping.

This machine comes as part of six different kits, and the price is currently the same for all of them. So, before buying, take a moment to find the kit that is best for your needs. For instance, I would recommend going with one of the bundles that has a tote case if you plan on moving your 7330 around regularly.

The Janome 7330 is one of the most highly rated machines on the comprehensive expert site Erin Says Sew. The reviewer appreciates that the bobbin is jam-proof and top-loading. Also, she was impressed with how one can start and stop sewing with the push of a button, rather than relying exclusively on the foot pedal. However, she would have preferred more decorative stitches, a dust cover, and adjustable presser foot pressure.

Grandma Likes to Sew found that this is a terrific unit for sewers of all levels. The reviewer liked the superior stitch-work and how durable and reliable the 7330 is.

About 93% of the people who reviewed the Janome 7330 on Amazon gave it a positive rating (4 or 5 stars). One user said the machine runs quietly, can handle several layers of heavy fabric, and has automatic button sewing. Yet, after five years of use, she was only able to figure out how to use the buttonholer attachment after stumbling upon a YouTube tutorial.

Another buyer commented that she uses the machine on a daily basis, and the 7330 was instrumental in her starting a sewing blog and hobby business.

Pros: Useful for sewers of any skill level, runs quietly, durable, automatic button sewing

Cons: Only 30 stitches

Buy the Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine on Amazon for $449 (originally $599)



The best quilting sewing machine

The Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with a variety of extras that make quilting convenient, including an oversized table attachment.

What makes the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machinespecial is the extras and the number of stitches it can handle.

First of all, the oversized table attachment is designed for quilting and other larger projects. There are also eight quilting feet to choose from. You can store your CS6000i in the included hard protective case. There are 60 stitches to choose from on the LCD screen, including 7 buttonholes. Brother backs the quality of this unit with a 25-year limited warranty.

Good Housekeeping recommends the Brother CS6000i as a good computerized sewing machine for beginners. The reviewer found it to be easy to transport and use. They also liked how the add-on wide table worked well for larger quilting projects.

Grandma Likes to Sew recommends this unit as one of the best values for your money. The reviewer noted that the auto-threading, pedal-free sewing, and speed control were easy enough for beginners to use. Sewing from Home suggests buying the CS6000i for quilting projects because the foot holder quilt guide, wide table, and the spring-action quilting foot all lent themselves well to quilting projects.

There are more than 5,800 5-star reviews of the Brother CS6000i on Amazon. Numerous of them use this model for making apparel, handbags, accessories, and other projects as part of their sewing business.

Many buyers were impressed with the number of stitch options they get with such an affordable machine. Another popular feature is the effortless threading of the bobbin and needle. The only common complaint was that the highest speed is not particularly fast.

Pros: 60 stitches, comes with a wide table attachment, easy threading of the needle and bobbin, 25-year limited warranty

Cons: Some complaints about the tension

Buy the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon for $142.99



The best luxury sewing machine

If you are an experienced sewer who needs a unit for daily use and you have a little extra money to spend, the Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machine is your best bet.

The Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machineis great because it has 167 stitches that you can select and edit on the control panel. Among the stitches are five one-step buttonholes and every letter of the alphabet.

This computerized machine also has enough memory to store up to 50 patterns so you can easily duplicate a project. The kit comes with 11 presser feet, extra needles and bobbins, and a carrying case with a handle so you will have everything you need to get started out of the box. You just need to buy some thread.

Wirecutter recommends the Janome DC5100 as the best sewing machine for intermediate sewers. The reviewer found that it can handle everything from delicate clothing projects to heavy curtains and quilts.

Of the dozens of units Erin Says Sew tested, this machine is one of only three to receive a perfect 5-star rating. She recommends this unit because she found the motor to be incredibly powerful and the array of stitches to be unique and helpful. The only negative she noted is that there is only one font for monogramming, and it isn't particularly exciting.

One Amazon buyer noted that she is able to use the DC5100 while her baby is sleeping, whereas her old machine would inevitably wake the baby up. The main complaint is that the letters are somewhat sloppy looking.

Pros: 167 stitches, powerful motor, handles a broad array of fabrics, well-written user manual

Cons: Expensive, unimpressive and non-adjustable font

Buy the Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machine on Amazon for $649



The best portable sewing machine

The Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine only weighs about 10 pounds, which makes it ideal for bringing along to sewing circles and classes.

For its price, the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine has an impressive selection of features. You can use this unit to monogram letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even some non-standard characters. The stitches include 8 auto-buttonhole styles, 12 heirloom stitches, 94 decorative stitches, 14 quilting stitches, and 42 garment construction stitches.

Like the Brother CS6000i, the HC1850 is great for quilting and comes with a spring-action quilting foot, detachable wide table, and the ability to do free-motion quilting. Plus, the kit includes bobbins, needles, spool caps, a seam ripper, instructional DVD, eight presser feet, and more.

Good Housekeeping recommends the Brother HC1850 because it comes with an easy-to-follow instructional DVD that shows beginners how to get started. It found that it was light and portable enough to bring along to classes. However, it note that the sewing speeds are fairly slow.

Quilter's Review recommends this unit because it balances affordability and features quite nicely. The reviewer was impressed with how simple it is to thread the needle, but she warned against using it for serious quilting because of the small neck and the presser feet don't rise enough for thicker quilts.

Approximately 88% of the people who reviewed the Brother HC1850 on Amazon gave it 4 or 5 stars. One buyer wrote that it's her third sewing machine and her favorite. She uses it for embroideries, quilting, and sewing. She is disabled and found it fits her needs thanks to the foot pedal-free use and light weight.

Another experienced sewer was impressed with the embroidery stitches this unit produces. The biggest complaint is with the 25-year warranty, which buyers found misleading. One buyer was disappointed when hers stopped working after a year and Brother would not replace it.

Pros: Only weighs about 10 pounds, 130 built-in stitches, comes with an instructional DVD

Cons: Runs slow, misleading warranty, doesn't come with a case or cover

Buy the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine on Amazon for $179.81



I use this $100 removable coat heater to stay warm as I trek around the city in freezing winter weather — here's how it works

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torch 2.0 attempt 1

  • I'm typically cold, especially in the fall and winter, even while wearing a warm jacket or layers.
  • Anseris' Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer attaches to the inside of coats and jackets to keep you warm with three different heat settings.
  • Weighing only 5 ounces, the device is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Regulating my body temperature properly has always been a challenge. I get cold easily, and usually that means I'm freezing. I'll put on multiple layers, but sometimes the extra weight gets in the way of my mobility or I start to overheat. Now with the help of this battery-powered, portable heater, I can keep myself warm when I begin to feel chilly. The Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer was designed to fit any adult-size coat or jacket and transform it into a heated garment. 

How it works

The Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer is a series of three thin heat pads that can be strategically placed inside of a coat or jacket with one pad situated in the back and two in the front, with one on each side. When I took my coat heater and warmer out of the box, I couldn't help but notice that it looks a lot like these disposable ThermaCare heatwraps.

The heat pads are powered by a rechargeable battery that can be placed in a hidden battery pocket attached to one of the front pads. There are three different heat settings — low, medium, and high — so you have more freedom to control your body temperature. A fully charged battery pack can last up to four hours on the low-heat setting and two and a half hours on the high-heat setting.

There's just one button, the power button, and it is also used to cycle through the three different heat settings, which you do by pressing the power button repeatedly. The button is on the same panel that houses the hidden battery pocket, so when the device is attached, all you have to do is reach into your jacket and press the easily accessible button to turn the device on or off and change the heat setting.

Attaching the Torch 2.0 is quick and easy. There are two installation kits containing three permanent adhesive Velcro patches that you can stick onto the inside of your coat or jacket. After waiting 24 hours for the adhesive to dry, simply attach the heaters to the Velcro pads. You can transfer the device between two different coats with the included installation kits.

For some reason, I didn't realize that two installation kits were included and thought the Torch 2.0 would only attach to certain fabrics, so I have only used the device in coats and jackets lined with Velcro-attracting fabric. Now that it's starting to get colder, I'm excited to attach the Torch 2.0 inside my heavier coats with slicker linings using the kit.

In terms of sizing, the Torch 2.0 comes in three unisex sizes — small (fits women's XS, small, medium and men's small), medium (equivalent to women's large, XL, 2XL and men's medium, large, XL), and large (fits men's 2-3XL). The device weighs only 5 ounces and is very compact, so it won't weigh you down, which is especially helpful if you are adventuring outdoors. 

The specs

inside torch 2.0

The heating pads are designed to direct heat toward your core. The device has proper CE and FCC certifications, and there are safety features implemented in the device to protect from short circuits and hot spots (there is no risk of the battery starting a fire). The heat-setting temperatures in degrees in Fahrenheit are 100 to 110 on low, 110 to 120 on medium, and 120 to 135 on high. I normally stick to the medium heat setting unless it's unbearably cold.

The battery is a slim, rechargeable 5 volt, 6,000 mAh lithium polymer battery that has a USB port, and therefore, you could charge your cell phone or tablet with the same battery pack. A charger as well as a USB to micro USB cord and a USB wall charger adapter are included. As mentioned before, a single charge can last up to four hours and the battery itself lasts for 500 charges. The Torch 2.0 is compatible with other 5 volt power banks for extended use.

The Torch 2.0 should be hand washed only, without the battery pack of course, but the Velcro adhered to jackets and coats is machine washable. 

Cons to consider

While a fully charged battery lasts long enough to travel from building to building, if you're on lengthier outdoor excursions, such as skiing or snowboarding for a full day, you'll have to use the Torch 2.0 methodically, unless you have another means of charging the battery pack. 

The Velcro installation kits use permanent Velcro, so you'll have to commit your coat or jacket to the Torch 2.0. While you could swap out permanent Velcro for semi-permanent Velcro, too much heat could potentially melt the adhesive, leaving a sticky residue on your jacket lining. 

The bottom line

Anseris (formerly Torch Electrek) is a Denver-based heated apparel brand that created the Torch 2.0 with winter and outdoor activities in mind. While target customers include hunters, skiers, snowboarders, hikers, runners, ice fishers, and other outdoor enthusiasts, anyone else who just wants to stay warm while enjoying the majesty of the outdoors will benefit from this coat heater. The extent of my usual outdoor activities is walking to and from different buildings in large cities. With the Torch 2.0, I'm never freezing and instead am warm and toasty wherever I am.

Buy the Torch 2.0 Universal Coat Heater and Warmer, $99.95, at Amazon

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Angelina Jolie's outfits on the 'Maleficent' press tour are giving us Disney vibes

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angelina jolie maleficent 2

  • Angelina Jolie has spent the past week promoting her upcoming film "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil."
  • Throughout the press tour, she's worn numerous showstopping outfits that give off major Disney vibes.
  • On September 30, she wore a dark gown fit for a villain. It was made from black mesh and had a diamond-encrusted scorpion brooch attached to the waist.
  • Jolie wore a sparkling princess-like dress during the film's Tokyo premiere on Thursday, and a purple shirt that was reminiscent of Ursula while she was in Italy on Monday.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

While Angelina Jolie is undoubtedly dedicated to her role as Maleficent, her fashion has recently been inspired by some of Disney's other famous characters.

The actress has attended multiple events in support of her upcoming film "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in the last week. And she's given off major Disney vibes on each red carpet, wearing everything from a sparkling princess gown to outfits fit for a Disney villain.

Jolie began her Disney-inspired fashion spree on September 30, when she attended the film's premiere in Los Angeles. She wore an edgy Atelier Versace dress which was made from "draped metal mesh," according to the brand.

angelina jolie maleficent 2

Her one-shoulder gown also featured a diamond-encrusted brooch shaped like a scorpion that was attached to the waist.

Three days later, Jolie attended the Tokyo premiere of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in a sparkling gown that would be right at home in the closet of any Disney princess.

The dress, designed by Ralph & Russo, featured a halter-style top covered in silver sparkles. Its bodice and skirt were made from tiered rows of sparkling fringe that reached her ankles. Jolie completed the look with metallic pumps and long earrings.

angelina jolie fashion

Jolie's latest look was the most casual of the three. On Monday, she attended a "Maleficent" photo call in Rome while wearing a sleeveless top and black pants.

Her blouse was made with varying shades of purple fabric, which were tied in a long bow that extended to her ankles. The top was reminiscent of Ursula, the octopus villain from "The Little Mermaid."

She also wore black pumps and simple earrings for the event.angelina jolie maleficent

Only time will tell if Jolie will return to the red carpet in another Disney-inspired look.

After all, there's another two weeks to go until "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" hits theaters.

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Julia Roberts wore a polka-dot jumpsuit to a polo match that made her look just like her character in 'Pretty Woman'

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julia roberts

  • Julia Roberts attended the 10th annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday.
  • She wore a polka-dot jumpsuit designed by Michael Kors and completed the ensemble with a white belt and orange-tinted sunglasses.
  • Roberts' outfit closely resembled the brown polka-dot dress her character Vivian Ward wore to a polo match in the 1990 film "Pretty Woman."
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Julia Roberts channeled one of her most iconic film characters over the weekend.

The actress attended the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday. She wore a polka-dot jumpsuit for the occasion, and the ensemble closely resembled the brown dress her character Vivian Ward wore to watch a polo match in the film "Pretty Woman."

Roberts accessorized her recent look with a white belt and orange-tinted sunglasses. She also donned black-and-white heeled oxfords.

julia roberts

Roberts' ensemble was reportedly designed by Michael Kors

Read more: How Julia Roberts' career has evolved from 'Pretty Woman' to 'Ben Is Back'

Of course, there were some key differences between Roberts' new look and the one she wore nearly 30 years ago. For example, Roberts wore a jumpsuit rather than a dress on Saturday.

1990 pretty woman

However, both outfits were covered in large polka dots, and were accessorized with belts and white shoes.

pretty woman 1990

It was also ironic — and possibly intentional — that she chose to wear the getup while attending a polo match on Saturday.

In the 1990 film, Roberts' character wears the polka-dot dress while attending a polo match with Edward Lewis, played by Richard Gere.

Insider has reached out to Roberts' representatives to see if she intended to match with her past character.

pretty woman

Join the conversation about this story »

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Lady Gaga dyed her hair bright pink to celebrate the anniversary of 'A Star is Born'

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lady gaga

Lady Gaga, 33, just showed off a totally different look when she took to Instagram on Sunday, revealing a new pink hairstyle.

The singer posted a photo of herself with bright pink, side-swept hair, captioning it, "A year ago, 'A Star was Born,' and here we are six times pink platinum."

A year ago, A Star was Born, and here we are 6 times pink platinum

A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on Oct 5, 2019 at 10:00am PDT on

Gaga's new hair is more of a bubblegum pink than it is neon, and it was done by her longtime hairstylist, Frederic Aspiras. Before debuting her new pink locks, Gaga was rocking her classic platinum-blonde hair. But for the occasion, she blew out her hair in voluminous old Hollywood waves.

Not only did her new pink hair look amazing, her makeup artist, Sarah Nicole Tanno, gave her flawless matching glam.

Gaga's complexion was completely clear, while her eyelids were covered in a subtle metallic-pink eyeshadow with silver and black in the corners. Pink cheeks and an extra glossy rose lip completed her fun look.

Tanno used all Haus Laboratories Cosmetics on Gaga. To achieve the exact look, she used Glam Attack in Rose B----- and Aphrodite on the lids. Then, she used Chained Ballerina for the smoky eye and applied Eye-Lie-Ner in Punk to the lash line. As for Gaga's lips, Sarah used Ride RIP Lip Liner and Le Riot Lip Gloss in Entranced.

Read more: I tried every beauty product from Lady Gaga's new brand Haus Laboratories, and found it's so much more than another celebrity makeup line

We love Gaga's new pretty pink look, and she pulls it off perfectly. Meanwhile, she isn't the only celebrity who's been switching up her look lately, as Demi Lovato, 27, just debuted newly dyed pink tips to her black bob, done by hairstylist Paul Norton.

Demi showed off her new look on Instagram on October 1.

💗

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Sep 30, 2019 at 7:44pm PDT on

Aside from Gaga and Lovato, other stars who have recently rocked hair makeovers include Bella Hadid, 22, who dyed her blonde hair jet-black, and Dua Lipa, 24, who dyed her black hair a light strawberry blonde. You can see all of the celebrity hair makeovers from this year when you click throughthe gallery.

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How to lace up your sneakers 3 different ways for unique looks — a step-by-step guide

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lacing sneakers

  • Sneakers are integral to casual style, but whether you realize it or not, how you lace your sneakers can hurt or enhance the overall look of your outfit.
  • By paying close attention to how they're laced, you can add a unique flair to your personal style or simply make your sneakers look sleeker. For a shoe like the super popular Comme Des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck 70s, unique lacing helps them stand out from the rest.
  • Below, I've outlined how to lace your sneakers in different patterns including classic over or under, loop-back, and straight. 

I own an insane amount of sneakers (I've seriously lost count) with pairs ranging from vintage Air Jordans from the '90s to the latest releases from startups and big brand names. Even though I have such a wide spectrum of styles, one thing that I can say about each and every pair that I've worn — and I try to wear all of my sneakers — is that I always re-lace them before putting them on for the first time.

Maybe it's just my extremely close attention to detail, but I find that redoing the laces is a quick and easy way to improve the aesthetic of the sneakers or to add a unique flair to one's style.

While most sneakers come out of the box laced up and ready to wear, you'll regularly find laces that are uneven, twisted, in the wrong pattern, or simply pulled way too tight. You have to consider that the factory worker who laced up your sneakers is tasked with lacing hundreds of shoes in a row, so some degree of sloppiness is bound to happen.

There are an endless amount of ways to lace your shoes, but I'll walk you through a few of my favorite patterns that anyone should be able to do with ease.

Here's everything you'll need:

Keep scrolling to learn a few different ways to lace your sneakers.

First, make sure both ends of the lace are even

The first step to lacing your sneakers neatly is to make sure the lace tips are even. Put each lace tip in the first set of eyelets from the top and pull the lace tight, while making sure it stays even.

This is super important regardless of what lace style you choose because unevenness will become more noticeable when you reach to final eyelets. If they're too uneven, you won't be able to tie your shoes.

Note: The shoe pictured above is the Nike Air Force 1 Low with removable Swooshes. The removable Swooshes come in dark wash denim, medium wash denim, and tan leather, so you'll be able to come up with a variety of looks.

 



The classic under pattern: Re-lace your shoes for a much cleaner look than out of the box

Most shoes come with a standard diagonal-and-under lace pattern, and for a classic shoe like the Air Force 1, I think it's fitting. However, they come out of the box laced super tight, usually very messy, and uneven. To make it look much neater, simply redo it.

Once you've made sure the laces are even, you can start the diagonal pattern going to the second set of eyelets. Start lacing them criss-cross style, with the first lace going over and down into each eyelet, rather than coming up through the eyelets. Be sure to follow the same pattern exactly, so that the lace going to the right side is always under and the lace going to the left is always over (or vice versa). 

When you move on to the second shoe, you should follow the same pattern so that both shoes have the laces going in the same direction. If you lace your shoes up and something just doesn't look right, but you can't quite pinpoint it, you probably messed up the pattern somewhere. Consistency is the key to making your sneakers look neat and clean.

 



The classic under pattern: final results

The shoe toward the back is still factory-laced, while the shoe in the front is redone. Although it's the same pattern, the shoe in the front is slightly looser and much neater.

 



The diagonal-and-over pattern: another easy style

I ultimately went with the diagonal-and-over pattern for my new Air Force 1s, and it's just as easy to do as the diagonal-and-under pattern. Instead of going through the eyelets from the bottom, simply go through the top and remember to follow the same consistent pattern on both shoes. This is a super clean look — far better than any stock brand photo, if I do say so myself.

And if you're wondering about my jeans, they're Mott & Bow's Skinny Warren in Medium Blue.



The loop-back pattern: How to create the loop

If the standard diagonal-and-under or diagonal-and-over patterns are too basic for you, the loop-back is a cool style you probably won't see others sporting. Instead of going across the tongue of the shoe, the pattern consists of intertwined loops going up both sides of the shoe. 

I decided to do this pattern on a pair of Comme Des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck 70s I got for my girlfriend. Aside from the solid color Chuck 70s, the CDG collaboration is probably the most popular Chuck 70, so I wanted to do something unique.

In the picture above, you'll see the loop-back pattern completed on the first two sets of eyelets and the next loop ready to continue the pattern.



The loop-back pattern: Put the other end of the lace through the loop

Once you create a loop on one side of the shoe, simply put the other lace through the loop and bring it back to the next eyelet on the same side. After you loop them together, pull them evenly so the point at which they cross is in the middle of the tongue — not too far to the left or right of the shoe.



The loop-back pattern: The end result is a unique weave-like pattern

Compared to the normal diagonal-and-over pattern (seen on the sneaker in the background), the loop-back pattern is cool and unique — definitely not something you'll see every day. 

In my opinion, Converse are some of the best sneakers for showing off your personality, so any lace style is fair game. The loop-back is one of my favorites though.



The straight pattern: This can be tricky, so pay attention

The straight pattern can be a little bit tricky since much of the lacework is hidden underneath the eyelet panels. First, follow the blue arrows in the picture above, which indicate the hidden lacing. Then follow the yellow arrows, which indicate lacing across the tongue. 

Note: The shoes pictured above are the Nothing New low tops. They are sustainably made from 100% recycled plastic. Read my full review to learn more about the brand



The straight pattern: Continue the pattern — you're almost there

Simply continue the pattern until you reach the top of the eyelets. Since a good portion of the lacework is hidden along the sides of the eyelet panels instead of going across the shoes, you won't be able to tighten the shoes very well by pulling on the laces.

With that said, the straight pattern is good for shoes that you'll only wear casually. If you plan on tightening your shoes for secure lockdown while playing sports or working out, you'll want to lace your sneakers normally.



The straight pattern completed: It's great for casual looks

The lacing might be intricate, but the final look is simple and very fitting for a casual shoe.



Where to buy extra laces

Swapping in different color laces is another great way to add an original look to your sneakers. Shoes sometimes come with extra laces, but more often, they don't. All three sneakers I used in this review didn't come with extra laces.

Whether you're looking for a different color that didn't come included or you're replacing a beat-up pair, Amazon is a solid place to shop

You'll find a variety of lace styles, colors, and lengths, but one of the best deals is this 20-count variety pack for $9.99.

Typically, 40-inch and 45-inch laces are good for low-tops, while 54-inch laces are good for high-tops and boots. If you're unsure of which length you need, measuring the laces you currently have in your shoes is a fail-safe way to get the right length.



H&M just launched adorable matching dog and human sweaters so you can twin with your pooch

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h and m matching dog jumper

  • H&M has launched a collaboration with heritage label Pringle of Scotland.
  • It includes two sweaters with matching dog versions for £17.99 ($22) so you can twin with your pooch.
  • There's one in black and another in grey with an adorable jacquard print.
  • Both are currently out of stock in the US and UK, but the collection is available worldwide and online.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Winter is coming, which means it's time to reassess your sweater collection.

The good news for dog owners is that you can now treat your pooch to some matching knitwear, too.

H&M has launched a collaboration with heritage label Pringle of Scotland— and it includes dog versions of two sweaters.

h and m pringle dog 2

The collection is classically British in style, with highland argyles, jacquards, and fair isle knits.

And there are dog versions to match two human-sized sweaters.

The first is a black knitted polo neck emblazoned with "PRINGLE" in white embroidery, which is on sale for $24.99

h and m black dog jumpers

The second is a Jacquard-knit grey, white, and yellow polo jumper, also $24.99.

h and m grey dog jumpers

Read more:10 matching Halloween costume ideas for you and your pet

Every item in the new line is part of H&M's Conscious collection, which means they're all made from recycled polyester and organic cotton, as well as alpaca wool and viscose fibers.

Sadly, both are currently out of stock in the US and UK, but the collection is available worldwide and online.

Read more:

11 of the most expensive dog outfits money can buy

H&M will test selling external brands in its stores as it looks to woo new shoppers

How Forever 21 went from a fast-fashion powerhouse to bankruptcy and a troublesome future

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Nxivm leader Keith Raniere has been convicted. Here's what happened inside his sex-slave ring that recruited actresses and two billionaire heiresses.


18 of Meghan Markle's best fall fashion looks

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meghan fall fashion

  • Meghan Markle is known for her feminine and elegant sense of style.
  • Whether you're yearning for a classic tailored coat, a casual jean jacket, or a pair of suede boots, it's never too late to adopt some of the duchess' best fall fashion looks.
  • Her style selections over the years — including faux fur, leather, and autumnal colors — serve as inspiration as the weather gets colder.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Meghan Markle has mastered the Los Angeles-meets-royal style and, judging by the outfits she wore on her recent royal tour, that's not changing any time soon.

Read more:Here's how the royal family would change if Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved to the US

Whether you're looking for a classic coat, a pair of suede boots, or touches of autumnal colors, the duchess' timeless style will inspire you.

A fan of both luxury and high-street brands, Markle isn't scared of taking fashion risks, and many of her outfits from the last decade are resurfacing in this season's trends.

Here are 18 of Meghan Markle's best fall looks.

While this slinky, burnt orange cocktail dress is not something Meghan Markle would wear today, the color is perfect for fall.

The low-V neckline of this cocktail dress would hardly be approved by Queen Elizabeth now that Markle is a duchess. However, the dress is in line with current fall fashion trends: Last year, Etsy released its trend report and named burnt orange as the color of 2019. 



Early in her career, Meghan Markle embodied sophisticated, feminine glamour in a teal, pussy-bow blouse and pencil skirt.

The pussy bow is reportedly coming back this fall, with Net-A-Porter describing the detail as the newest way to update your workwear look. The fashion retail site said the feminine accessory can transition from daywear to an evening look if you loosen the tie.



The Duchess of Sussex frequented New York Fashion Week before joining the royal family.

While plaid prints are usually associated with fall and floral prints with spring, these dark, autumnal florals are on-trend this season.



In September 2013, Meghan Markle turned heads at New York Fashion Week in an emerald green, suede minidress by Rachel Zoe.

Meghan Markle seems to love wearing green, especially during the fall season. This suede minidress seamlessly transitions from those late-summer days into fall. While Markle chose to go bare-legged, a pair of tights and leather boots would make this look work well into fall. 



This green sweater layered over a classic button-up is perfect for cozy fall days.

Queen Elizabeth reportedly prefers women to wear skirts or dresses around her instead of pants. We wonder how she would feel about this edgy pair.

Read more:Meghan Markle reportedly doesn't get why she can't wear pants around the queen



Leather trousers aren't the only fall trend Meghan's explored in the past. This gold-studded jacket may have been worn in February, but it could easily be part of a fall wardrobe.

Meghan also styled a leather jacket for an interview with Tory Burch. When asked about the inspiration behind her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig, Markle said, "In the past few years, my access to fashion and beauty has broadened, and I have started to understand things in a different way. That feeling of, 'Oh … right, so clothes aren't just fabric, they're art.'"



This faux-fur coat is the pinnacle of fall fashion. In 2014, Markle paired the off-white coat with a denim miniskirt, pastel pink top, and rose-colored clutch.

Who What Wear recently named fluffy, faux-fur coats as one of its fall/winter 2019 coat trends to watch. 



For this fall look, Markle paired a burgundy evening gown with a relaxed, worn-in leather jacket.

She may be royalty now, but in this look, the Los Angeles native looks like a total it-girl.



She's a fan of the monochrome look. Here, she pairs a matching skirt and crop top with a cream leather jacket draped over her shoulders.

While some say you can't wear white after Labor Day, we disagree. This stylish and sophisticated look marked a turn in Markle's style towards a more royal-approved look. 



When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement in November 2017, all eyes were on the glowing couple, Markle's sparkling engagement ring, and her white coat.

The Line the Label coat was reportedly renamed the "Meghan" and sold out within minutes.

"We are incredibly honored that Meghan chose to wear a Line coat to mark this very special occasion," John Muscat, Line the Label's president and co-founder,  said in an official statement. "Meghan has an effortlessly chic sense of style, which we've always admired. We know this particular coat is one of her favorite pieces so we have officially decided to name it the 'Meghan.' We are elated for Meghan and wish her a lifetime of happiness with Prince Harry."



Meghan Markle knows her way around a fall coat — but her use of fall accessories shouldn't go unnoticed.

While attending the royal family's traditional Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk, Markle wore a $1,495 camel-colored tie coat by Sentaler, brown suede boots, matching hat, and a tan and red Chloé bag. While this look worked for the Christmas celebrations, the neutral colors are also perfect for the fall season.



Another eye-catching fall accessory enjoyed by the duchess is this emerald green leather bag by British leather goods company DeMellier.

Markle appears to prefer small saddle bags as opposed to clutches and totes. This small DeMellier crossbody is $395. Meghan Markle is believed to be an avid fan of the brand: She reportedly owns multiple bags from the British leather goods company.



During her engagement, Meghan Markle showcased simple, stylish coats throughout the fall and winter seasons.

Although the duchess wore this sophisticated coat by Mackage during a surprise visit to Northern Ireland in March, this classic look could easily work for fall. From the cream-colored coat to dark mustard heels and sleek emerald pencil skirt, Markle is wearing the best of autumn fashion. 



For an early October appearance, Meghan Markle wore an emerald pencil skirt and forest green blouse. The newly minted royal paired the autumnal look with simple tan pumps.

While the green $595 Hugo Boss skirt and $99 green silk blouse from & Other Stories are currently both unavailable, leather skirts are perfect for the chilly fall weather. 

Read more:Meghan Markle wore a $595 leather skirt with a $99 blouse for her first official visit to Sussex — and her outfit suggests she's still pushing royal boundaries



The Duchess of Sussex's cozy plaid coat is a must-have for the fall and winter season.

This green plaid coat certainly made a statement on the duchess' trip to Scotland in February 2018. This cozy yet sophisticated style would work for strolls through an apple orchard or while you're warming up with a cup of hot chocolate. 



Markle perfectly matched her olive green boots with her purse.

On an official visit to Bristol, England, Meghan Markle stepped out in a pair of suede, olive green boots by Sarah Flint, which retail for $695. The actress-turned-royal paired the fall-ready boots with a dark blue coat, green purse, gloves, and a dark floral dress.



Nothing says apple picking and bonfires like a simple jean jacket, and Meghan Markle totally nails this classic fall look.

While Meghan Markle is perhaps more typically known for wearing elegant dresses, sophisticated coats, and heels, she isn't afraid of a more casual look. Markle wore a button-down shirt, skinny jeans, and an effortless denim jacket during her tour of South Africa. While some of the duchess' other outfits are out of most people's price ranges, this simple fall style can be easily replicated. 



Meghan Markle's trench-style dress is a perfect example of a transitional wardrobe piece.

When it comes to creating the perfect fall wardrobe, it's also important to think about purchasing pieces that work throughout the year. The sleeveless silhouette of this camel trench dress works perfectly during the summer. However, if paired with a light turtleneck and pair of boots, this look can easily work in the crisp fall weather.



The best winter coats for women

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  • A good winter coat should keep you warm in cold weather without weighing you down.
  • Bonus points if it looks good, too.
  • If you're searching for a winter coat that will keep you warm and dry without any frills, consider picking up The North Face Metropolis III Hooded Down Parka.

Part of the problem with finding a satisfactory winter coat is that it's really hard to tell whether a jacket will be warm enough for the dead of winter until you're wearing it in the dead of winter. Sure, the coat might seem cozy from the comfort of a dressing room. But is it really going to stand up to subzero temps once you bring it outside?

When shopping for a winter coat, it's essential to keep your lifestyle and location in mind. Are you looking for a heavy-duty parka? Something stylish to keep you warm from the office to the train station? A full-on duffle coat for Arctic temperatures?

Regardless, winter coats are getting cooler by the second. It's certainly possible to both be warm and look hip at the exact same time. Not every option on this list will appeal to everyone's individual aesthetic, of course, but they will all keep you warm without much of a style sacrifice. And that's pretty important.

Here are the best women's winter coats you can buy:

Updated on 10/9/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting. We'll continue to update this guide as we research and test new winter coats this season.

The best winter coat overall

You can't get much cozier than a puffer coat, and The North Face Metropolis III Hooded Down Parka is the best of the best — warm and not too puffy.

Sometimes, you just need to be warm. On those occasions, you can't go wrong with the Metropolis III Hooded Down Parka from The North Face. It's a long-length quilted goose-down puffer coat designed to fit from the neck to the knees.

Despite the description, it's not actually that puffy. The silhouette is rather sleek, albeit designed to withstand bone-chilling temperatures.

The coat comes with a cozy removable hood, which is nice if you're not a hat lover or when it isn't needed. The material is water-resistant, making it ideal for snowy weather. It's also machine washable.

The North Face coats are exceedingly well-reviewed, and the Metropolis III, in particular, has a high rating among Nordstrom shoppers.

One shopper wrote of the Metropolis II, "I've had the opportunity to wear this in temps below 15 degrees F and have been comfortably warm. I love the fact that the coat is very lightweight and even stylish as far as winter down parkas go."

Note: We previously recommended the Metropolis II. We've updated our recommendation to the newer Metropolis III, a similar parka that offers more wind resistance and uses recycled materials. However, it is slightly heavier. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Sleek design, not too bulky, super warm, water-resistant with detachable hood, improved wind resistance, use of recycled fabric

Cons: Slightly heavier than the Metropolis II, pricey



The best affordable coat

It's not often that a winter coat becomes an online sensation, but the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket is the exception.

I'm always skeptical of items that have thousands upon thousands of reviews online but that I've never heard about in real life. The Orolay Thickened Down Jacket is a hit with Amazon fans and a number of fashion experts. Plus, I have proof people wear it — I saw a former co-worker of mine in the jacket at New York Fashion Week.

This puffer coat, which became a sensation a couple years ago, has a "downtown cool" silhouette with a high-low hemline and oversized front pockets. It's well-priced for a 90% duck down jacket that will actually keep you pretty warm. It's not the winter coat you'll want to wear in extreme cold, but it's certainly cozy enough for the walk from the train to your front door.

This coat has been compared to the more expensive options from Canada Goose. Many Amazon reviewers noted how warm this jacket is, though it's worth mentioning that it is not waterproof, so you'll probably want something else for rainstorms or intense snow.

"I've worn this in North Dakota and Washington state, in temperatures down to 15 degrees. I've been wearing normal shirts underneath and have been toasty. When we get to sub-zero temps I'll switch to sweaters underneath and expect the coat to be fine,"one shopper said. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Stylish, relatively inexpensive for down, unique design

Cons: Not waterproof



The best wool winter coat

You don't need a down jacket to stay warm in winter — the wool L.L. Bean Classic Lambswool Polo Coat can do the same and provide some style, too.

If you're not a fan of puffer jackets or anything stuffed with down, wool is warm enough to withstand cold temperatures and allows for a more sophisticated look than many other materials.

The L.L. Bean Classic Lambswool Polo Coat is a 3/4-length jacket with lapels and three buttons down the front. It's a simple, timeless silhouette that will go with anything. It comes in four colors, including a fun raspberry shade of pink and traditional olive green.

"This coat is warm and comfortable," one L.L. Bean shopper wrote. "The fabric is notably good: dense but soft. The lining is very well done, with what looks like sturdy sticking. The fit was as expected, with room for a couple layers underneath." The coat is also recommended by Good Housekeeping. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Lined wool jacket warm enough for colder climates, sophisticated silhouette that goes with more formal outfits

Cons: May need to size up if you want to layer

Shop all women's winter coats at L.L. Bean



The best with lifetime guarantee

Tired of going coat shopping year after year? Patagonia's Down With It Parka could last you a lifetime.

On the surface, the Patagonia Down With It Parka is your average long puffer jacket. It has quilted fabric, a detachable hood, a zipper obscured by a front placket, and princess seaming along the waistline for definition.

There are a few details that make this jacket special, however. The outside is made of 100% recycled polyester. Inside, the jacket is stuffed with what the brand calls Traceable Down, which is "duck down traced from parent farm to apparel factory to help ensure the birds that supply it are not force-fed or live-plucked," according to the company

Like all Patagonia outerwear, the Down With It Parka comes with an "Ironclad Guarantee" that allows you to have the coat replaced or repaired at any time. The coat is not waterproof, but the knee-length silhouette and roomy hood will give you plenty of cover from wind, rain, and snow.

The Patagonia Down With It Parka also comes in a shorter style if you prefer something trendier. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Recycled materials, detachable hood, lifetime guarantee

Cons: Not waterproof or packable

Shop all women's winter coats at Patagonia



The best women's winter parka

Fjällräven's Singi Down Jacket has a feminine fit, classic parka style, and a rugged design that's made to last for decades.

If you're the kind of girl who likes to go ski, snowshoe, or hike in the snow-covered forest, you need a more active-friendly parka that can take you where you need to go. Fjällräven's Singi Down Jacket is that parka.

Having tested this jacket myself during an intense surprise snowstorm in New York City, I stand by the protective warm and durability of this jacket, and many other happy Fjällräven fans agree with me.

Fjällräven has been making outdoor gear that can handle the extreme cold and powerful snow of Scandinavia since it was founded in 1960. Skiiers, hikers, snowshoers, and adventurers of all types love the company's outwear because it is made to last.

The G-1000 canvas fabric on the outside of the Singi jacket is made from a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton that's durable. You can wax it down for added water-resistance or leave it bare for more breathability.

The jacket has a wealth of pockets, too, and they're roomy, so you can stuff your gloves, phone, sunglasses, and whatever else you need into them for safekeeping.

To keep you warm, Fjällräven uses a mix of 80% goose down and 20% feathers for the 600 CUIN filling. Because the Swedish company is heavily focused on sustainability, the down is responsibly sourced. That means you don't have to worry about the maltreatment of the geese who gave their feathers and down for your warm.

You won't find real fur on this parka, either, which is a relief to animal lovers. Instead, the hood has a removable faux-fur ruff that's of much higher quality than the scraggly looking faux fur you find on cheaper coats. 

Even though the build quality is exceptional, what really makes this winter coat shine is the attention to detail. Fjällräven adds unique little touches to the design like its iconic fox design on the button snaps and arm patch. The leather zipper pulls are also imprinted with the little fox.

The shape of the jacket is surprisingly feminine, too, and it has drawcords so you can accentuate your waist and not look shapeless in the snowy weather. I love the extra details because they make the jacket stand out. The extra color options — like the deep reddish-purple garnet shade I chose — make a big difference, too.

The Singi jacket also happens to have the best hood I've ever found on a winter coat. It doesn't fall in my eyes, it stays in place, and it truly blocks out incoming snow and wind gusts. 

This parka would have been our overall pick if it wasn't for the high price tag. Still, we absolutely recommend you consider this parka if your budget allows. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Sustainable down, rugged design, feminine fit, good color options, made to last, very warm, water resistant

Cons: Expensive



The best professional-looking coat

Looking for a sophisticated winter coat? M.M. LaFleur's Prospect Puffer is a chic wrap coat with the warmth and functionality of a puffer jacket. 

Many traditional winter jackets, even the cool ones, would look supremely awkward with a professional wardrobe. Often, it's a choice between pairing chic trousers with a lumpy duffle coat or shivering during the morning commute in a tissue-thin trench.

Workwear brand M.M. LaFleur has the solution with the Prospect Puffer. It's a beautiful wool wrap coat that offers "ski-jacket-level warmth," courtesy of down lining. A sash cinches the waist for a lovely hourglass silhouette, while a hidden zipper ensures your jacket won't fall open in the middle of a windstorm.

The truly original wool coat-meets-puffer design makes this a jacket worth shelling out some serious cash for, as Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton pointed out in her review

"It doesn't come cheap, but it's helpful to note that name brand tailored wool trench coats can [be more expensive], so getting both a trench and puffer for the same price winds up being a pretty great deal," she wrote.

The coat is available in sizes XS to XL. It's currently only available in black, but there's no better color when it comes to everyday outerwear. — Erin Mayer

Pros: Sleek style, lined with down

Cons: Expensive



Check out our other winter gear guides

The best winter boots for women

All too often, women's winter boots put fashion above function and you end up with cold wet feet. We tested dozens of winter boots to find the best ones for warmth, style, and comfort.

To test these boots, we dunked them in a tub filled with icy water and tried to make them slip on patches of ice. We wore them on cold days to see how warm they were and stepped into deep puddles on rainy days to test water resistance. We walked for miles on snowy stretches of sidewalk in New York City and waded through snow banks in Central Park to vet these boots.

Our opinions are also backed up by expert reviewers and actual buyers, so rest assured — these winter boots are guaranteed to keep your feet warm, dry, and happy all winter long and for many winters to come.

Here are the best winter boots for women:


The best winter coats for men

A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too.

Here are the best men's winter coats you can buy:


The best beanies you can buy

The word "beanie" is kind of one of those catch-alls that encompasses a ton of different styles, from slouchy cuts to ultra-fitted ones with a variety of embellishments and fabric variations. The sheer number of options is overwhelming. After all, when you can buy a beanie anywhere, how do you narrow it down?

You could do a ton of research on the topic. Or you can read on for our top five favorite picks for men and women from around the Internet.

Here are the best beanies you can buy:


The best places to buy scarves online

Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. Scarves are also a great opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your winter wardrobe. And when you get bored of your outerwear, you can always pick a new scarf to mix things up.

These five brands are your best bet for warm, attractive options that will keep you cozy all winter long.

Here are the best places to buy scarves:


The best thermal gloves you can buy

A good pair of thermal gloves can make all the difference on a cold winter day. We did the research to find the best thermal gloves you can buy to keep your hands nice and toasty for the rest of this winter and for many more winters to come.

Here are the best gloves you can buy:


The best places to buy winter hats for men, women, and children

Your body loses a significant portion of its heat through your head, so keep yourself warm this winter with a great winter hat.

The winter hat makers we're featuring today offer hats in myriad styles, so once you've narrowed down the type of winter cap you need, you should be able to find several fine options from each brand.

Here are the best places to buy winter hats:


The best mittens you can buy

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, so if it's cold where you live, work, or play, slip a pair on and keep the chill out.

Yes, you will lose a measure of dexterity when choosing mittens versus gloves. But you won't risk losing a finger to frostbite, or simple suffering from frigid digits, to be a bit less dramatic. Today we've lined up some of the best mittens on the market, including mittens for babies, kids, adults, and some specialty pairs, too.

Here are the best mittens you can buy:


The best snow pants you can buy for men, women, and kids

Make the most of that winter wonderland this year by keeping yourself warm and dry with well-made snow pants when you're skiing, sledding, or generally romping about in the snow.

Here are the best snow pants you can buy:



A pair of Jesus-inspired sneakers that have soles filled with holy water sold for $3,000

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  • MSCHF, a Brooklyn-based creative label, has turned a pair of Nike Air Max 97s into Jesus-inspired shoes
  • The sneakers feature a gold crucifix, verse from the bible, and two drops of red ink that represent the blood of Christ.
  • The soles on each shoe are also filled with holy water that came from the Jordan River and was blessed by a priest.
  • The creative label sold only a single pair of the shoes, and they retailed for $3,000.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. 

A pair of $3,000 (£2,453) trainers dubbed "Jesus Shoes" that contain holy water have sold out minutes after being made available to purchase.

The controversial shoes, which are the brainchild of Brooklyn-based creative label MSCHF, were released online on Tuesday.

The repurposed Nike Air Max 97s trainers, which were bought at retail value, have been transformed to make several references to Jesus Christ, although Nike has no affiliation with the creation.

nike jesus sneakers

Not only do the shoes contain holy water in the soles that came from the Jordan River and was blessed by a priest, but a crucifix has also been placed on top of the laces on the right trainer.

A verse from the Bible is also referenced on the side of the shoe, Matthew 14:25, while a drop of red ink that symbolizes the blood of Christ is visible on the tongue of the trainer.

The biblical verse featured in the design references the act of Jesus Christ walking on water.

Daniel Greenberg, head of commerce at MSCHF, explained the brand was intrigued by the idea of "collab culture."

"We thought of that Arizona Iced Tea and Adidas collab, where they were selling shoes that [advertised] a beverage company that sells iced tea at bodegas," Greenberg told the New York Post.

"So we wanted to make a statement about how absurd collab culture has gotten."

"We were wondering, what would a collab with Jesus Christ look like?" Greenberg said.

"As a Jew myself, the only thing I knew was that he walked on water," hence the inclusion of holy water in the soles of the shoes.

Read more:The 9 most valuable sneakers with the highest resale value right now, according to the data

Several people expressed their astonishment over the creation.

"So. Jesus Shoes are a thing that exists. They have water from the river Jordan in the sole. I have no words," a Twitter user wrote.

One critic described the footwear as "degrading and disrespectful."

While the trainers promptly sold out, MSCHF states on its website that new creations devised by the brand will be released online every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Octopuses are officially the weirdest animals on Earth

This watch is for people who are blind or living with low vision — it’s also a well-made work of art in its own right

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  • Eone is a watch brand with the goal of making watches both fashionable and accessible for everyone. The founder, Hyungsoo Kim, learned from a blind friend that there were very few options, none of which were fashionable, when it came to timekeeping for those with visual impairment. It was either talking watches (too loud) or tactile ones (impracticably fragile).
  • Eone's minimalistic design is subtle, reserved, and apart from its mission of universal, inclusive design, reminds us to be grateful that we have the ability to do just that, and consider those that do not.
  • Having worn The Bradley watch ($285) just about every day since receiving it back in July, I've gotten countless compliments, and it's been a great conversation piece through and through.

 

We should all only be so lucky to be able to look at a watch, let alone anything. Eone's watches are works of modern art that help people who are blind and living with low vision tell time in style. They'll also make the rest of us regularly appreciate our eyesight.

How many times a day, or an hour, do you thank your lucky stars for your vision, if you have it? Most of us with our senses more or less intact take them for granted. Here's a little piece of art to help change that, and it doesn't look half bad to boot, either.

Rethinking the Braille watch

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There are plenty of Braille watches out there, but from what we've seen and heard none all too durable. Sure, there are talking watches, but who really wants to have to talk to a robot every time they want to know the time, or anything else?

This is the conclusion that MIT graduate student Hyungsoo Kim came to after a blind friend declared to him that there were "hardly elegant, quality alternatives," as Eone's story has it. A quick Google query more or less confirms this (at least for me).

Eone's design is about as simple as it gets, and in some sense, it seems remarkable that something exactly like it wasn't developed 150 years ago alongside the wristwatch's very invention. 

The brand offers several designs, but they're all basically the same in concept — each is dedicated to an exceptionally inspirational individual who is either blind or living with visual impairment. This one, which Eone teamed up with architecture and design magazine Dezeen to create, is named "The Bradley," after a naval officer who lost his vision while diffusing a bomb in Afghanistan. Since, he's competed in multiple Paralympic Games, taking home multiple gold and silver medals and even taking a world record.

In use

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All you have at work here are two magnets controlling two stainless steel bearing balls held in place by a recessed track, with one running around the circumference of the matte-titanium watch face telling the hour and the other, within the watch face, denoting the minute within the hour. The hours are marked by small pronounced steel ticks that make up the dial, save for the 12 o'clock marks, which is an inverted triangle. Setting time works just like with any analog watch: There's a small pin with a dial at the end of it that you pull out and spin. It's really as simple as that.

I can't speak for the blind (though I have a friend in mind to gift this watch to the next time I run into him), but the very moment I picked up the watch I was able to close my eyes and tell the time without much trouble at all. Feeling for the bearing ball along the recessed track on the outside, I counted ticks from the 12 o'clock position, found it was five-something, and went back over the face doing the same to figure the minute. (It was 5:30 and time to leave the office.)

As for durability, I ran it through my regular gamut of tests: I've dropped it, I've soaked it in both sink- and seawater (repeatedly), and I haven't washed it once. Now, the brand calls it splashproof, so I wouldn't get too wild with it, but my tests prove that it can handle a little more than the brand suggests. Even the leather's held up with no cracking at all after about three months of use and countless dips into the drink at the rail of my boat.

Final thoughts

Having worn it just about every day since receiving it back in July, I've gotten countless compliments, and it's been a great conversation piece through and through. It has also made me immensely more grateful for these old eyes of mine. We could all stand to wear a little more humility and gratitude on the daily.

Pros: Unique, fun, gratitude-inducing

Cons: Expensive

Buy The Bradley Watch from Eone for $285

Shop all Eone watches and bands

Join the conversation about this story »

Wedding dresses embroidered with phrases like Hailey Baldwin's 'Till death do us part' veil might be the next big bridal trend

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Asymmetrical gowns and polka-dot designs might have been trendy among brides in 2019, but next year is all about embroidered wedding apparel.

Hailey Bieber (née Baldwin) recently wore the look, as her wedding veil featured a vow embroidered on the hem. Similarly, Vera Wang's Fall 2020 Bridal Collection is full of dresses adorned with love-related phrases.

Here's a closer look at the 2020 bridal trend.

Hailey Bieber showcased her personalized wedding gown on Monday

One week after she said "I do" in South Carolina, Bieber shared photos of her wedding ensemble on Instagram. 

Bieber's first photo concealed much of her actual dress, but instead showcased her sheer veil. The garment extended into a long train on the floor, and was embroidered with the phrase "'Till death do us part" at the hem.

last Monday was the most special day of my life:)

A post shared by Hailey Rhode Bieber (@haileybieber) on Oct 7, 2019 at 1:48pm PDT on

While the personalized detail is eye-catching, it isn't entirely surprising. After all, Bieber's veil — as well as her dress — was designed by Virgil Abloh and Off-White, a brand know for featuring simple phrases on fashion.

Read more: Hailey Baldwin's off-the-shoulder wedding dress included the phrase 'Till death do us part' sewn onto her veil

Vera Wang also debuted a bridal collection that's full of embroidered details

According to a press release sent to Insider, Wang was inspired by modern wedding gowns for her latest collection.

"No flowers, no beads, no bouquets," Wang said in a press release. "This is my idea of a pared-down, modern, youthful interpretation of wedding gowns.

Wang's pieces focus on ruffled details, contrasting colors, and embroidered phrases that add a personal touch to each design. For example, one dress from the collection features the words "I Do" embroidered with black thread at the back of its skirt.

vera wang bridal

"Love" and "Forever" were also embroidered on the sleeves and skirts of other gowns in the collection.

vera wang wedding dresses

While many of Wang's dresses feature bold embroidery, other designs are more subtle — like her long-sleeved dress that has the word "love" embroidered in small letters on the back.

wedding dress vera wang

Of course, only time will tell if this trend actually takes off. But with both an iconic fashion designer and world-famous model favoring the style, it's likely that we'll see similar designs heading into 2020.

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Violent video games are played all over the world, but mass shootings are a uniquely American problem

The best men's parkas for winter

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  • If you don't have a parka and you live anywhere other than the tropics, it's probably about time you added one to your closet.
  • We tested several parkas to find the best ones you can buy, from brands like our top picks: Triple F.A.T. Goose, Fjällräven, Moose Knuckles, and L.L.Bean.

A parka is a wintertime essential for much of humankind. Without one, layering enough to stay warm can be a nuisance.

But oh, what a sea of decisions: How thick does it need to be? Do you need the hood to be lined with fur? How do you feel about faux fur? We're still left to ponder pockets, length, and lining. And what on earth does "fill power" mean? While all of the above may or may not be critical decisions, they're all things we have to consider.

A parka is something we hope to invest in for the long haul, and a parka that doesn't last more than a few seasons is, in my humble opinion, not a parka at all.

What to look for in a parka

Let's start with the filling, and what fill power means, exactly. That's how many cubic inches of loft one ounce of a given variety of feather produces. Fill power does not necessarily tell you how warm a parka might be because it doesn't denote how heavily packed the down is inside your coat. 

What the fill power of a down does tell you is how well a certain type of down traps air and, in effect, warmth. Precious as it may be, an 800-fill-power down packed lightly and loosely into a jacket might not do nearly as much as a 400-fill-power down stuffed to the edges of each compartment.

So while fill power does dictate something about the quality of a down, what really matters is how densely packed a down is. Another thing to keep in mind, especially for travelers, is that the higher the fill power of a down, the lighter the weight of it by volume, which can result in a lighter jacket overall.

The outer lining of a parka can require a little explanation, too. Why is it that most parkas seem to be made using a waxed combination of cotton and nylon or polyester? This is not a waterproofing solution. For one thing, we don't generally associate parkas with rain. We also tend to be active outside when wearing them. A parka generally needs to be breathable.

Work up even the slightest sweat and a jacket that thick and warm will quickly do the rest of the sweating for you until you're unbearably drenched. That said, we've worn all of the parkas below in a bit of rain and come out dry, but it'd be best to look for something that's fully waterproof if you're headed out into a cold, relentless rain for any prolonged period of time. Also, fur doesn't fare too well in rain, either.

While we're at it, we also have to discuss fur. Yes, it feels wonderful, and there's no denying its beauty. But it comes at a high cost in many, often questionable, regards. It's up to you, and we'll leave it at that. We include both real and faux fur options in our guide.

Length is another big concern both for style and function. While it's stylish to have jackets cropped at the waist or even above the waist, it doesn't necessarily make a whole lot of sense on the functional side of the debate. Still, people on the shorter side often don't want a jacket that comes down to their calves, while taller folks might look like they're walking on stilts with a short hem. We'll leave that to you, but it's certainly something to consider.

Here are the best men's parkas you can buy:

Updated on 10/10/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, prices, and formatting. We are currently researching and testing new options for a future update.

The best men's parka overall

Triple F.A.T. Goose's Stratus parka is about as warm as they come, and although it may not be the most sustainable or the most affordable, the brand's line of parkas is the most comfortable we've tried.

Packed full with 700-fill-power down, the Stratus from Triple F.A.T. Goose is an Insider Picks favorite, and several of our writers have deemed it our go-to winter jacket. 

Fur fans will also be pleased: You'll get a beautiful trim of coyote fur, which zips away from the hood in case you wish to remove it. The fur also has a wire insert that helps you shape your hood to your head and face so you're not walking around as though you have horse-blinders on.

While fur and down are not the most widely accepted materials on the market, Triple F.A.T. Goose is on the relatively "responsible" side of things when it comes to sourcing down and fur. You can read about the company's fur and down policy here.

If you're in a somewhat milder climate like the maritime, you might still want a parka, but you're going to want to make sure it's equipped for the rain. Triple F.A.T. Goose's Chenega II might be the best option with its three-part waterproofing and 700 fill power down. We also tried the Eldridge, a slightly shorter jacket that's also a tad cheaper at $600, and loved it.

If we've not convinced you yet, Outside, Men's Journal, and Men's Health all stand with us here.

Pros: As warm as parkas get, TFG offers a wide range of styles and prices on parkas

Cons: Nothing major of note

Shop all Triple F.A.T. Goose



The best mid-priced parka

L.L.Bean's Baxter State Parka uses quality 650-fill down, is rated for 45-degrees below Fahrenheit, and has a waterproof coating for much less than comparable parkas.

No, you won't get that fox or coyote fur trim, but if it's not real fur you're after, it's hard to make a case against L.L. Bean's Baxter State Parka. It's loaded with pockets, windproof and waterproof, and warm as anything.

L.L.Bean tests its parkas in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which might not be the harshest or coldest place on earth, but for most anyone's intents and purposes, we can suffice it to say that it'll stand up to the elements and a good deal of wear and tear.

With seven exterior pockets and three on the interior, you'll have no problem fitting everything you need on your a person for your daily slump across town to the office or your intrepid wintertime trek up a mountain. Good luck finding everything again, though.

The hood comes with a wire insert that allows you to shape it around your head, which we like a lot, though that's subjective. You can also just zip the faux fur ruff away and forget about it altogether. We tried the Maine Mountain Parka, which is similar, but currently sold out, and we were very impressed with the quality.

Like many of L.L.Bean's products these days, the Baxter State Parka is made overseas, and the company does not let on where, exactly, on the product page, leaving us a little concerned about the amount of social responsibility the company takes on abroad. Also, this is a fairly high-quality jacket for the price, which also suggests they may be cutting some corners, though we can't say for sure. You can read L.L. Bean's policies on sustainability here.

In all, this is a very popular coat for very good reason. There are almost 900 reviews of the Baxter State Parka on L.L.Bean's site, and they're largely enthusiastic, rounding out to 4.4/5 stars. And while it's a little old, Outside's Gear Guy section recommended this very parka in 2007, and we're pretty sure it hasn't changed all that much since then anyhow.

Pros: Price, high-quality and heavily packed down, waterproof (but somewhat breathable)

Cons: Faux fur can be a little ratty (but you can ditch it), origins unclear



The best faux-fur parka

Fjällräven's Kyl parka is a perfect hybrid of street savviness and adventure readiness with its durable canvas exterior, sustainable down fill, and faux fur hood.

Fjällräven has been around since 1960 when it started with framed backpacks to better distribute weight for hikers. The company has branched out in the years since, and its parkas are some of the warmest around.

During testing this fall, I spent a day wearing the Kyl parka while fishing from a small exposed boat in 30-degree temperatures and high winds. I was wearing nothing but a T-Shirt underneath, and it was toasty as could be.

Still, the Kyl isn't stuffed to the brim with down, and the fill power of the down is of surprisingly low at 500 cuin, especially when ranked with other parkas in this price range, but you can rest assured that it's sustainably sourced.

It's still plenty warm, though, and runs a little large, so if it's not going to keep you warm enough, there's certainly enough room to tuck a medium-weight wool sweater underneath.

There are pockets galore in the Kyl. A large wallet, phone, magazine, and even the occasional breakfast sandwich have all comfortably tucked into mine on my morning subway commute.

Stylistically, the Kyl is up there with the best. It's the kind of parka that flies fashionably in urban and rural settings alike. There's no massive logo or patch, just a subtly-placed leather patch of Fjällräven's iconic Arctic fox on the shoulder.

Fjällräven focuses on sustainability, and the company is working with Stockholm University to save the Arctic fox. It's also one of the few companies that can prove that all of the down used in its parkas is 100% traceable.

The outer lining is made of Fjällräven's signature G-1000 waxed polyester and cotton blend. It's durable, but it is nowhere near waterproof, meaning this is not a good jacket for wet snow or precipitation in above-freezing temps. It eventually soaks through and while you'll stay mostly dry, it will get extremely heavy, and you'll eventually start to collect dew on the inside. You can wax it further to increase the water resistance.

Durability is Fjällräven's winning quality, all in all, though, its outstanding customer service doesn't hurt, either.

If you want the most technical parka adorned with the plushest, most exotic, real fur, then look elsewhere, but if you're seeking something practical and relatively sporty yet fashion-forward enough to pull off in town, this might be your move.

Pros: Durable, utilitarian but still stylish

Cons: Not waterproof (only good in a very cold snowstorm), price, low/entry-level fill power, real fur substitution is not available to those who want it

Shop Fjällräven's full line at Moose Jaw



The best stylish parka

The Moose Knuckles Stirling Fox Fur-Trim Parka is decked out in silver hardware, an incredibly handsome blacked-out fox fur trim, duck down filling, and a waterproof cotton-nylon outer shell. 

Canada-based Moose Knuckles is a younger company, but an Insider Picks favorite. The company has done a brilliant job of merging outdoorsy functionality with urban sensibility, covering all the weather-ready necessities while still keeping plenty of attention on looks.

While the Stirling is our favorite, Moose Knuckles' full line covers pretty much everyone. Insider Picks reporter Amir Ismael writes: "Moose Knuckles is known for infusing cold-weather sportswear with luxury. As one of its original designs, the Ballistic Bomber is becoming a staple among fashion lovers in need of a fully capable jacket."

This is a true cold-weather jacket. The outer lining is a cotton/nylon blend, and cotton just doesn't do well wet. And while the hood is detachable, the fox fur trim is not, and you really don't want to get that wet.

The fill power of the down comes in at 650 for the Stirling, the jacket isn't exactly packed with the stuff, and you might find yourself in a bit of a chill if you don't make sure to wear something moderately substantial underneath.

Of course, the use of fur in clothing is highly divisive. Moose Knuckles claims to use only Saga-Certified furs, and those interested can read its fur policy and other product information here. However, if you have a stance against fur, opt for one that uses synthetic fabrics. (Scroll below to read more about the use of fur and down in outdoors clothing.)



A note on sustainability and the ethics around fur and down

Sustainability and ethics around down and fur are murky, if not mucky, particularly depending on how you feel about things.

Down is slightly more clearcut and traceable: Many of the brands in our guide, including Fjällräven and Triple F.A.T. Goose, put their down through rigorous testing to identify whether or not the down was plucked from live animals or not.

Triple F.A.T. Goose puts its down through the IDFL (International Down and Feather Testing Laboratory), while brands like L.L.Bean meet the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The IDFL performs an actual set of tests, while the RDS is merely a matter of vague compliance.

There's a host of these different standards and labs, and while the differences seem marginal, it's difficult, if not near impossible, to make heads or tails of much of them.

Fur, whether it's "ethically sourced" or not, tends to be the byproduct of age-old trapping methods. Many brands make sure to list compliance and cooperation with game trapping laws and standards set forth by the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) in Canada and the Best Management Practices (BMP) standards in the United States, but the fact of the matter is that trapping is still trapping, and many if not most animals are killed solely for their hide. Further, links to the various standards and agreements often lead to invalid pages or domains. 

Whether it's a fox, coyote, or some other unfortunate woodland creature, they're snared or trapped and stuck there until they freeze to death or a trapper comes along and puts them out of their misery. Whichever comes first. Yes, this is grim, but people still like fur, and that's also why we've included faux fur and fur-free options in our guide.



Other great places to buy men's parkas

Brands

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Check out our other winter gear buying guides

The best men's puffer jackets you can buy

Puffer jackets provide warmth without weighing you down, making them perfect for layering in extreme cold or for use as your only jacket on milder days. These compressible, packable jackets can tuck away into a bag, or in some cases, even a pocket, so they're ideal for travel or trekking. Here are the best men's puffer jackets you can buy:


The best winter coats for men

A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too. Here are the best men's winter coats you can buy:


The best beanies you can buy

The word "beanie" is kind of one of those catch-alls that encompass a ton of different styles, from slouchy cuts to ultra-fitted ones with a variety of embellishments and fabric variations. The sheer number of options is overwhelming. After all, when you can buy a beanie anywhere, how do you narrow it down?

You could do a ton of research on the topic. Or you can read on for our top five favorite picks for men and women from around the Internet. Here are the best beanies you can buy:


The best places to buy scarves online

Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. Scarves are also a great opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your winter wardrobe. And when you get bored of your outerwear, you can always pick a new scarf to mix things up.

These five brands are your best bet for warm, attractive options that will keep you cozy all winter long. Here are the best places to buy scarves:


The best thermal gloves you can buy

A good pair of thermal gloves can make all the difference on a cold winter day. We did the research to find the best thermal gloves you can buy to keep your hands nice and toasty for the rest of this winter and for many more winters to come. Here are the best gloves you can buy:


The best places to buy winter hats for men, women, and children

Your body loses a significant portion of its heat through your head, so keep yourself warm this winter with a great winter hat.

The winter hat makers we're featuring today offer hats in myriad styles, so once you've narrowed down the type of winter cap you need, you should be able to find several fine options from each brand. Here are the best places to buy winter hats:


The best mittens you can buy

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, so if it's cold where you live, work, or play, slip a pair on and keep the chill out.

Yes, you will lose a measure of dexterity when choosing mittens versus gloves. But you won't risk losing a finger to frostbite, or simple suffering from frigid digits, to be a bit less dramatic. Today we've lined up some of the best mittens on the market, including mittens for babies, kids, adults, and some specialty pairs, too. Here are the best mittens you can buy:


The best snow pants you can buy for men, women, and kids

Make the most of that winter wonderland this year by keeping yourself warm and dry with well-made snow pants when you're skiing, sledding, or generally romping about in the snow. Here are the best snow pants you can buy:



45 of the most iconic music video looks of all time

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Even before the advent of MTV, music fans have enjoyed seeing their favorite songs come to life visually by way of music videos.

Though fans largely watch them on YouTube these days, the past four decades have seen plenty of iconic music video looks, which have become part of pop culture canon.

From Prince and David Bowie to Britney Spears and Beyoncé, these music video looks are instantly recognizable across generations and genres.

David Bowie continued to push fashion boundaries in "Life On Mars?" (1973).

By 1973, the rock icon had already cemented his signature style, but it was the video for "Life on Mars?" that will remain one of the earliest, and best, examples of Bowie's unique aesthetic. 

The video features Bowie singing in front of a simple white background, and his powder-blue suit, electric blue eye makeup, pink cheeks and lips, and fiery red mullet are among the most iconic of his looks.

Watch the full video here.



Queen donned matching white jumpsuits in "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975).

Few images are as striking as the opening of "Bohemian Rhapsody," but music fans are equally enamored by the coordinating white satin jumpsuits that were worn by Queen during the video's performance scenes.

Watch the full video here.



Debbie Harry's signature blonde hair and bright red lip were on full display in the video for Blondie's "Heart of Glass" (1978).

Although it's more simple than a typical music video outfit, Debbie Harry's "Heart of Glass" dress is considered one of the most iconic looks from the '70s.

In order to create Harry's silver asymmetrical dress, designer Stephen Sprouse took a photo of television pixels moving across the screen and printed it onto chiffon. This made it appear as if the garment was floating around the lead singer.

In the background, the rest of the band wore T-shirts made by Debbie Harry herself. 

Watch the full video here.



Olivia Newton-John introduced the '80s fitness outfit in her video for "Physical" (1981).

The "Grease" star shed her clean-cut image pretty quickly with this 1981 ode to a certain physical activity, single-handedly ushering in an era of leg warmers, sweatbands, and pastel Spandex pants.

Newton-John's bright blue top over a white leotard and fuchsia leggings helped pave the way for the athleisure movement that remains in style nearly 40 years later.

Watch the full video here.



Prince cemented his signature purple look in the "1999" (1982) music video.

Prince's unique and instantly recognizable style continues to influence artists across multiple genres, but it's in the video for "1999" where fans were first introduced to the shiny purple trench coat. The singer completed his iconic look with a leopard print guitar strap, a scarf, and a pair of purple gloves. 

Prince would go on to be referred to as "The Purple One," given his affinity for violet-hued clothing.

Watch the full video here.



Michael Jackson's red leather jacket in "Thriller" (1983) is instantly recognizable.

Michael Jackson's 13-minute short film for "Thriller" is widely regarded as one of the best music videos ever made, and his costumes in the video are equally iconic.

The red leather jacket Jackson wore in "Thriller" would go on to be recognized for generations to come, and in 2011, it sold for $1.8 million at an auction. The buyer, Milton Verret, called it "the greatest piece of rock and roll memorabilia in history."

Watch the full video here.



Madonna put an edgy spin on bridal wear for her "Like a Virgin" (1984) music video.

Throughout her career that spans multiple decades, Madonna cemented herself as the queen of pop in a series of iconic music videos, one of the earliest being her 1984 hit "Like a Virgin."

At the beginning of the video for "Like a Virgin," the songstress can be seen wandering throughout Venice in a look that would become her signature for the time — a cropped black tank top, mixed rosary beads, a "boy toy" belt buckle, and pops of neon — before donning the ubiquitous lace and tulle wedding dress. 

Madonna would later spark controversy by wearing a version of the wedding dress at the very first MTV Video Music Awards in 1984, before paying homage to her original performance in 2003 with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Missy Elliott, in which the two pop princesses wore similar bridal get-ups on stage with Madonna as their makeshift groom.

Watch the full video here.



Madonna continued to prove she was a style icon in the music video for "Material Girl (1985).

From the same album, Madonna released a slew of hits back-to-back, the second being "Material Girl," her ode to riches over romance.

In the video, she pays homage to another blonde icon, Marilyn Monroe, recreating her performance of "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." The singer's pink satin gown and matching gloves, along with a handful of diamonds and a fur coat, helped make this one of Madonna's most famous videos to date.

Watch the full video here.



The music video for "Don't Come Around Here No More" (1985) by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers featured "Alice in Wonderland"-inspired looks.

Taking inspiration from "Alice In Wonderland," the music video for "Don't Come Around Here No More" can be considered one of the most iconic of the '80s, and Tom Petty's Mad Hatter look is spot-on. 

The frontman dons a maroon suit, black bow tie, and a comically large hat, making fans feel as if they are stepping right into the psychedelic world that is Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

Watch the full video here.



Whitney Houston is the queen of '80s style in the video for "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (1987).

Houston was well on her way to pop music domination when she released the frothy, dance-pop anthem that would go on to become a karaoke and wedding classic decades after its 1987 release.

The video is equally iconic, with Houston defining an era of beauty and style with her tight curls, rainbow makeup, colorful chandelier earrings, party dresses, and denim.

Watch the full video here.



George Michael debuted a simple look in the music video for "Faith" (1987).

On the surface, a pair of blue jeans and a leather jacket doesn't seem like it'd make for an iconic visual, but the British pop star made the look one of the most important in music video history.

Michael looked effortlessly cool in a black leather jacket, ripped Levi's jeans, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, and a pair of cowboy boots. Of course, you can't forget the singer's signature single earring. Michael's look in the video would go on to inspire a simple street style. 

Watch the full video here.



Madonna's outfit in "Like a Prayer" (1989) sparked controversy.

No stranger to risque fashion, Madonna's iconic slip dress and crucifix in "Like A Prayer" can be considered her most controversial look.

Costume designer Marlene Stewart told Vogue in 2018 that the Catholic imagery was a deliberate callback to Madonna's own upbringing, including the coat she wore at the beginning of the video, which was from Stewart's own wardrobe. "The idea was that it was a priest's robe, or of a religious order," she said.

Although the music video ended up upsetting religious groups, Madonna's look would go on to be remembered for years to come. 

Watch the full video here.



Cher stripped down for her "If I Could Turn Back Time" (1989) video.

In a career filled with jaw-dropping fashion moments, this might be Cher's most iconic, and controversial, look.

The video sees Cher performing aboard a Navy ship in a barely-there black bathing suit under a fishnet body stocking and a leather jacket. Completed with a pair of black boots and a wildly curly mane, the look is easily one of the most recognizable from a music video across any era. Not to mention, it's the reason why the music video was banned from MTV for a while, before being moved to a post-9 p.m. slot. 

The singer famously recreated the look at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

Watch the full video here.



Janet Jackson's outfit in "Rhythm Nation" (1989) has gone on to inspire artists such as Beyoncé.

Jackson and her team of backup dancers wore black military-inspired uniforms with cadet caps and crisp gloves, creating a striking visual that would become among the music icon's most well-known videos to date.

Artists continue to be inspired by Jackson's aesthetic in the video, with Beyoncé dressing as Janet Jackson from "Rhythm Nation" for Halloween in 2014, before paying homage to the song and video's message during her 2016 "Formation" tour.

Watch the full video here.



MC Hammer single-handedly made billowy pants cool with his music video for "U Can't Touch This" (1990).

The video introduced one of the most formidable trends in hip-hop fashion: "Hammer pants," billowy and often colorful trousers that droop in the waist and taper at the leg. 

Although the trend dates back to the early 1900s, it wasn't until MC Hammer's video for "U Can't Touch This" that the pants became a widespread look that is still popular in hip-hop culture today. 

However, the artist told Racked that he dislikes the fact that they're now called parachute pants. "I detest the term parachute pants. That's a new term. They're called Hammer pants," he said. 

Watch the full video here.



Nirvana made grunge fashion relevant with videos like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991).

The song and its video ushered in a new era after two subsequent decades of glitzy disco and dance-pop. A stark contrast from the vibrant neon visuals of the '70s and '80s, Nirvana's hand-me-down shirts and dirty Converse went on to define the fashion of the '90s.

The epitome of grunge, Kurt Cobain would go on to be an unlikely trendsetter thanks to the green-striped shirt he wore over a long-sleeved tee in the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit." To this day, you can find shirts inspired by Cobain's look in the video. 

Watch the full video here.



Kriss Kross wore one of the most unexpected fashion trends in their video "Jump" (1992).

The hip-hop duo made waves in the '90s by wearing their jeans and jerseys backwards, a look that was prominent in the video for "Jump."

According to Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly, the unexpected trend was "a collective idea" that came about after the duo decided they wanted "to do something different."

The look became so iconic that mourners wore backwards jeans to Kelly's funeral after he died in May 2013.

Watch the full video here.



Blind Melon fans will instantly recognize the "Bee Girl" from "No Rain" (1993).

Played by then-child actress Heather DeLoach, the "Bee Girl" adorably tap-danced her way into the hearts of viewers everywhere in 1993, dressed in a tutu, some tap shoes, and a large pair of glasses.

The look has gone on to inspire costumes, and to this day, people still recognize DeLoach as the "Bee Girl." She also paid tribute to the iconic look at her wedding in 2017

Watch the full video here.



TLC's silk pajamas in "Creep" (1994) are proof that the girl group mastered coordinating fashion.

TLC is no stranger to iconic coordinating looks, but every fan will remember their matching silk pajamas from the 1994 video for "Creep," which showed off just enough skin to be scandalous and comfortable all at the same time. 

The girl group told W Magazine in 2017 that the silk pajamas were their favorite look from the '90s. 

Watch the full video here.



The Spice Girls showed off their signature style in the video for "Wannabe" (1996).

The world was introduced to the unique style of the Spice Girls in the 1996 video "Wannabe." From Ginger's glittery jumpsuit to Baby's white dress, the members each showed off a signature look that fans would quickly come to know and love as they took over the pop charts worldwide. Following the release of the video for "Wannabe," every '90s kid suddenly needed crop tops and platform shoes. 

In 2019, the Spice Girls paid homage to their "Wannabe" video looks with their reunion tour outfits, proving that friendship — and great style — never ends.

Watch the full video here.



Lead singer Jay Kay's fuzzy black hat was the focal point of Jamiroquai's video "Virtual Insanity" (1996).

Jay Kay, the lead singer of Jamiroquai, was wearing outlandish hats long before Pharrel made them cool, and the fuzzy black cap in "Virtual Insanity" is proof. 

The iconic hat even made an appearance in a game inspired by the "Virtual Insanity" video

Watch the full video here.



Missy Elliott's blow-up suit in "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" (1997) still has people talking.

Elliott would go on to become a pioneer in the art of creative music videos, but it's the clip for her 1997 hit that remains so pervasive, thanks to her puffy, garbage bag-inspired ensemble, giant sunglasses, and dark lipstick in "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)."

In an interview with Elle, the singer referred to the outfit as "a symbol of power," adding that she "loved the idea of feeling like a hip-hop Michelin woman."

The look is so iconic that Elliott even decided to dress as herself for Halloween in 2018. 

Watch the full video here.



Shania Twain managed to pull off head-to-toe leopard print in "That Don't Impress Me Much" (1998).

Country icon Shania Twain may not have been impressed by rocket scientists or Brad Pitt, but it's safe to say that she was impressed by leopard print.

In her video for "That Don't Impress Me Much," Twain wore so much of the print, from her gloves to the hatbox, that even non-country music fans would recognize this iconic outfit. 

Watch the full video here.



Every Britney Spears fan remembers the singer's schoolgirl outfit in "...Baby One More Time" (1998).

Few videos remain as culturally relevant decades after their release quite like Britney Spears' debut video, which catapulted her into the spotlight. While so many of the singer's outfits remain iconic today, her schoolgirl look is what started it all. 

Read more: 22 things you probably didn't know about Britney Spears

Director Nigel Dick told MTV in 2009 that the outfit was all Britney's idea.

"My idea originally was just jeans and T-shirts, and we were at the wardrobe fitting and Britney holds up the jeans and T-shirts and says, 'Wouldn't I wear a schoolgirl outfit?'"

They then purchased all of the items from a K-mart. "Not one piece of clothing in the video cost more than $17," he said. 

Watch the full video here



You don't need to be a country music fan to recall Shania Twain's look in "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" (1999).

To this day, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" is not only one of Shania Twain's most iconic songs but also her most memorable music video look. 

Paying homage to Robert Palmer's music videos, Twain makes a statement of her own in front of a bevy of identical blank-staring male models, adding a uniquely feminine twist to Palmer's classic style: a white button-up paired with all-black-everything, including a top hat with a fishnet veil, a beaded choker and gloves, thigh-high boots, a corset, and a tuxedo coat with a train.

Watch the full video here.



Jennifer Lopez is covered in crystals in the music video for "Waiting For Tonight" (1999).

Amid the pre-Y2K chaos came this glittery, post-apocalyptic dance anthem, in which Lopez prepares for an epic New Year's Eve party, and possibly the end of the world.

While Lopez can be seen dancing around strobe lights in a simple black outfit, the standout style moment comes when the singer covered in crystals, a look she called her favorite beauty look of all time in 2018. 

Watch the full video here.



Britney Spears continued her streak of iconic outfits with a red catsuit in "Oops!... I Did It Again" (2000).

In the late '90s and early 2000s, no one dominated MTV quite like Spears did, thanks to videos like "Oops!... I Did It Again." 

The creation is widely regarded as one of the singer's most famous videos, largely because of the singer's iconic red catsuit, which continues to inspire artists such as Miley Cyrus

Watch the full video here.



Aaliyah's look from "Try Again" (2000) continues to inspire celebrities.

Before Aaliyah's tragic death at the age of 22, she was one of the most promising young artists of the time, with a slew of hits under her belt.

Her look in the "Try Again" video — sleek straight hair, sparkly smoky eye, glossy pink lip, bejeweled bikini top with matching choker and belt, and black leather cargo pants — became so beloved that stars like Keke Palmer and Kim Kardashian have emulated the look on Halloween in recent years.

Watch the full video here.



Destiny's Child rocked matching camouflage outfits in their video for "Survivor" (2001).

The ladies of Destiny's Child were no stranger to coordinating outfits, but their camouflage look from "Survivor" can be considered one of their best.

The look is so beloved by Beyoncé herself that the singer recommended fans rock the look for Halloween during an interview with the British magazine, Beat

Watch the full video here.

 



Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya, and Pink proved there's no such thing as too much sparkle in "Lady Marmalade" (2001).

When four of the biggest names in music came together on this Labelle cover for the "Moulin Rouge!" soundtrack, the costumes were bound to be iconic. 

The four ladies (plus Missy Elliott) wore cabaret-inspired ensembles, featuring corsets, crimped hair, and crystals galore. Each singer had her own signature look, but they were all equally over-the-top, which is what made it such a fun and whimsical video. 

Watch the full video here.

 



Britney Spears' exposed thong in "I'm A Slave 4 U" (2001) is a look that only she could pull off.

Although her red catsuit and schoolgirl outfit may be more recognizable, fans of the singer will still remember Britney's daring look from "I'm A Slave 4 U."

The singer wore a teeny pink crop top and a coordinating pink thong over a pair of low-rise jeans. It's a look that only Britney Spears could pull off, which is what makes it so iconic. 

Watch the full video here.

 



Jennifer Lopez chose to wear a Juicy Couture tracksuit in her video for the song "I'm Real" (2001).

Lopez helped kick off an entire fashion trend by wearing a bubblegum pink Juicy tracksuit in the video alongside rapper Ja Rule, which was entirely her idea.

In 2018, the "Hustlers" star looked back on her iconic video moments, revealing in an Instagram post how she ended up in a cozy, comfy look by then-unknown brand Juicy Couture.

"The stylists brought me all this fancy couture from all the big designers," Lopez wrote in her caption. "But this little known company Juicy sent these sweatsuits for me to chill and hang out in … I loved them so much I decided to wear it in the video with my throwback Adidas and my nameplate and a bun. I shocked everyone when I decided to wear it! It seemed fitting since the song is called 'I'm Real,' so I decided to be ME!!"

Watch the full video here.



Avril Lavigne proved that a necktie can go with anything in the video for her hit song "Complicated" (2002).

In her debut single, the Canadian pop-punk singer cemented her signature style: pin-straight hair, a tight tank top, baggy cargo pants, and the ubiquitous necktie.

Although the look was simple, it was responsible for inspiring a new generation of mall rats and skater kids.

Watch the full video here.



Christina Aguilera stripped down for her music video, "Dirrty" (2002).

The pop princess officially shed her "good girl" image with this racy song and video, debuting a shocking new look. In the video, Aguilera rocked blonde and black hair, facial piercings, and teeny tiny chaps.

Although the look isn't practical for everyday wear, Kylie Jenner rocked a "Dirrty"-inspired costume for Halloween, and even Aguilera loved it.

Watch the full video here.



OutKast's "Hey Ya!" (2003) featured colorful, equestrian-inspired outfits.

Green was the theme for OutKast's "Hey Ya!" and fans would be able to recognize the colorful equestrian-inspired looks anywhere. 

The green shirt and suspenders are so iconic that even Usher donned the look for Halloween

Watch the full video here.



Britney Spears' "Toxic" (2004) music video is packed with iconic looks.

Spears' "Toxic" video is the source of multiple iconic looks, from her flight attendant outfit to the moment when she's covered in nothing but diamonds. 

And while plenty of people thought Spears was wearing a sheer, glittery bodysuit, director Joseph Khan told MTV in 2004 that she really was naked. "That's just her naked with diamonds on. I'm not sure what I was thinking about when she told me about that scene, maybe those intros to James Bond movies, but every video needs an iconic image to remember," he said. 

Watch the full video here.

 

 



Rihanna fans were stunned by the singer's head-to-toe silver look in "Umbrella" (2007).

In this futuristic homage to "Singin' in the Rain," the Fenty entrepreneur wears a lot of sexy outfits, but fans are particularly obsessed with the part where Rihanna is dancing in a giant triangle, covered head to toe in silver body paint.

"Umbrella" director Chris Applebaum told Genius in 2017 how the shiny look came to fruition, revealing that the pair tested a few different body paints before attempting the dance sequence. 

Watch the full video here.



Taylor Swift went back in time with her princess gown in "Love Story" (2008).

The country singer turned pop star has a number of iconic looks, but no fan could forget the princess dress she donned in the music video for her song "Love Story." 

Although her style has changed quite a bit since 2008, the singer channeled her iconic look at the 2009 Time 100 Gala

Watch the full video here



Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" (2009) features a number of wild costumes.

By 2009, Gaga was already at the forefront of fashion and music trends, known for trying out anything weird and wacky, including a meat dress.

One of her most influential videos, "Bad Romance," was an avant-garde ode to Alexander McQueen in which the singer wore looks designed by the late British designer. Although the video is packed with iconic looks, Gaga's sky-high armadillo shoes are the real scene-stealer. 

Watch the full video here.



Beyoncé's black bodysuit in "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008) is simple, yet iconic.

Although it's one of her simplest, Beyoncé's black leotard in "Single Ladies" can be considered one of her most recognizable looks. The singer, along with her backup dancers, rocked a simple one-shoulder bodysuit and stilettos. 

Though there were no costume changes on set, choreographer Frank Gatson, Jr. noted one major production issue, telling Cosmopolitan in 2016, "They danced so hard that they kept breaking the [high heels of the] shoes."

Watch the full video here.



Katy Perry's cupcake bra in "California Gurls" (2010) is just the right amount of over-the-top.

Never one to hold back, Katy Perry rocks colorful wigs and glittery shorts in her video for the hit song "California Gurls."

Although the video is packed to the brim with fun, Candyland-inspired outfits, its Perry's cupcake bra that really stands out. 

Watch the full video here.



Miley Cyrus made waves with her stripped-down look in "Wrecking Ball" (2013).

In this poignant breakup ballad, Miley Cyrus strips down, metaphorically and physically, to deliver one of her most powerful videos to date.

She starts off wielding a sledgehammer while wearing white underwear and a tank top, before ditching everything but her boots to swing on a wrecking ball. 

Though it's one of her most beloved videos, Cyrus calls it her "worst nightmare." In a 2017 interview, she said, "That's something you can't take away, swinging around naked on a wrecking ball lives forever. … I'm never living that down."

Watch the full video here.



Taylor Swift's leopard print ensemble was the standout look in "Blank Space" (2014).

Taylor Swift wore a lot of looks throughout her video for "Blank Space," but this was by far the most iconic. On top of a leopard print dress, the singer also wore printed platform heels. 

The eyeliner-filled tears streaming down the singer's face also helped this look stand out. 

Watch the full video here.



Beyoncé's yellow Roberto Cavalli dress is what makes her "Hold Up" (2016) video so iconic.

Choosing just one iconic look from Beyoncé's 2016 visual album "Lemonade" is no easy feat, but the real standout moment involves the singer walking down the street in a yellow, off-the-shoulder Roberto Cavalli dress. And of course, you can't forget the baseball bat, which Beyoncé has no problem using to smash car windows. 

When asked what made it the ultimate dress, stylist B. Akerlund told Billboard, "Everything from that it was flowing to it was see-through to it had all these different shapes and was still sexy ... the dress had it all."

Watch the full video here



Ariana Grande recreated iconic outfits from popular romantic comedies for "Thank U, Next" (2018).

In what was one of the most anticipated music videos of 2018, Ariana Grande recreated a slew of iconic looks from popular romantic comedies, including "Mean Girls,""Bring It On,""13 Going on 30," and "Legally Blonde."

Read more: The 17 most iconic looks from 'Mean Girls'

The video included everything from the sexy Santa outfits from "Mean Girls" to "Bring It On's" red Toros uniforms. 

Watch the full video here.




Elle Fanning looked like a Disney princess in a ball gown with a sparkling top covered in mesh

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elle fanning

Elle Fanning might play a Disney princess on-screen, but she can also look like one in real life.

On Wednesday, the actress attended the European premiere of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in a mint-green ball gown designed by Armani. The dress featured a sparkling strapless top, mesh overlay, and ruffled sleeves. Her semi-sheer skirt also featured a layer of sparkles.

To complete the look, Fanning donned an updo hairstyle, jeweled earrings, and heels that matched the lattice-style fabric of her dress.

elle fanning

While on the red carpet, Fanning posed alongside her costar Angelina Jolie, who matched in a dazzling Ralph & Russo dress.

Her queen-like gown was white with silver sparkles, and had cape-like sleeves that extended into a train behind her. 

elle fanning angelina jolie

This isn't the first time Fanning and Jolie have channeled Disney characters on the red carpet.

While attending a "Maleficent" photo call in Rome on Monday, Jolie wore a ruffled purple blouse that was reminiscent of Ursula, the octopus villain from "The Little Mermaid."

angelina jolie

Read more: Angelina Jolie's outfits on the 'Maleficent' press tour are giving us Disney vibes

Fanning also turned heads when she attended the Los Angeles premiere of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in a green off-the-shoulder dress adorned with flowers across each sleeve.

elle fanning

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Anne Hathaway wore an eye-catching tiered maternity blouse on the red carpet

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anne hathaway

  • Anne Hathaway attended the red-carpet premiere of "Modern Love," an Amazon original series, in New York City on Thursday.
  • For the event, she paired white trousers with a tiered maternity blouse that had a single sleeve.
  • She completed her glamorous look with gold jewelry, strappy heels, and fuchsia lipstick.
  • Back in August, Hathaway also made headlines when she wore a magenta maternity dress that had daring cutouts.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Anne Hathaway showed off her maternity style while attending the premiere of "Modern Love," an Amazon original series, in New York City on Thursday.

For the red-carpet event, she wore a cream-colored maternity blouse with a tiered bodice and single sleeve. She also donned white trousers that had a single pleat on each leg.

Gold jewelry, strappy heels, and fuchsia lipstick completed her glamorous look.

anne hathaway

According to a fashion Instagram account called fashionn_blogss, Hathaway's look was created by Oscar de la Renta. It's similar to another piece by the designer, the Embroidered Wool-Blend Top, which was available on Moda Operandi for $3,690.

It's not clear if Hathaway's top was custom-made. Insider reached out to representatives for Oscar de la Renta to find out more, though they did not immediately respond.

Read more: 18 photos that show how maternity fashion has changed over time

Like many celebrities, Hathaway has made a case for bold maternity fashion

In August, for example, she attended a Broadway event wearing a magenta maternity gown designed by Brandon Maxwell. The ensemble's skirt extended past her knees, and its halter-style top featured three daring cutouts. She paired the look with silver heels, a red clutch, and neutral makeup.

anne hathaway

On Instagram, Hathaway previously revealed a hidden detail included on her dress: a white tag that read "Anne + 1."

"As if it wasn't enough you custom-made me and the bump a knockout dress, you put this tag in it," Hathaway wrote to Maxwell on Instagram. "Thank you, new friend."

@brandonmaxwell, as if it wasn’t enough you custom-made me and the bump a knockout dress, you put this tag in it. Thank you, new friend 💕

A post shared by Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) on Jul 27, 2019 at 7:29am PDT on

 

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The best cashmere sweaters you can buy

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  • Cashmere sweaters can be very expensive, but if you know where to shop, you can get high-quality sweaters for $100 to $300. These are the best places to shop for cashmere sweaters.
  • Everlane's no-frills basics are beautiful in their simplicity, and its affordable cashmere sweaters are no exception. You'll find basic, go-with-everything styles that are perfect for work or play.

I don't know about you, but I grew up thinking cashmere sweaters were the height of luxury. I remember a brief phase where my Christmas lists were populated with anything cashmere blend — socks, scarves, mittens. I thought owning something cashmere would make me feel like I'd made it somehow.

But more often than not "real" cashmere automatically equaled expensive.

Fast forward to 2018, when several brands are changing the game, offering up quality cashmere at pretty affordable prices. Luxury cashmere still exists and is sometimes worth it, but many of our favorite cashmere sweater brands truly won't break the bank. If you're open to your cashmere blended with other fabrics like cotton, you can spend even less.

Whether your priority is sustainability, affordability, wearability, or all of the above, you've got options. The brands on this list have one thing in common: gorgeous cashmere sweaters that will suit you all winter long, whether you're in the office or on-the-go. Your new and improved sweater wardrobe starts here.

Here are the best cashmere sweaters you can buy:

  • Best cashmere sweaters overall: Everlane
  • Best sustainable cashmere sweaters: Naadam
  • Best plus size cashmere sweaters: Land's End
  • Best luxury cashmere sweaters: Cuyana
  • Best colorful cashmere sweaters: J. Crew

The best cashmere sweaters overall

Everlane offers subtle updates on traditional cashmere sweater styles with a great $100 price tag, thanks to the brand's transparency model.

We talk about Everlane often around here. The brand's quality and attention to design is unparalleled, especially for the prices. Thanks to the company's transparency model, you get designer-level goods at mid-level cost to your wallet.

Everlane is our favorite place to get women's sweaters in general, and the cashmere range is no exception. Everlane's Grade-A cashmere from Mongolia runs from $100 to $155. The most popular and versatile style, The Cashmere Crew, is one of the cheapest and best options. It's also a favorite of newly-minted royal Meghan Markle, per InStyle.

It comes in tons of colors, from basics like charcoal gray and black to fun shades like mauve pink with mustard trimmed sleeves.

Insider Picks reporter Mara Leighton calls this sweater "a foundational closet piece." Shoppers tend to agree. It has a 4.7 rating on the Everlane website, based on 2,300+ reviews. Everlane cashmere has also been featured by InStyle, The Cut, People, Rank & Style, Racked, and Best Products.

Besides The Cashmere Crew, the brand puts its contemporary spin on other classic cashmere sweater styles like the boatneck, raglan, cardigan, and more.

Pros: Affordable Grade-A cashmere, modern takes on classic sweater styles, beautiful color selection

Cons: Limited size range, only available online or Everlane's New York City, Los Angeles, Palo Alto, and San Francisco showrooms



The best sustainable cashmere sweaters

If sustainability is a top concern, Naadam is about to become your new favorite sweater brand.

"Democratizing cashmere" is the tagline on the Naadam homepage and that's exactly what the brand sets out to do with its range of sustainable knits. One of Naadam's most popular items is a $75 crewneck cashmere sweater. Styles such as a long open-front cardigan and a wide-sleeved kimono are priced at $225.

In addition to 100% cashmere, the brand offers blended knits like wool cashmere, silk cashmere, and cotton cashmere.

The sweaters are mostly simple in design, but their means of production is unique. Sourced from Mongolian goats, Naadam's cashmere is hand-combed and produced in facilities powered by 100% clean energy. The brand also claims to pay herders "50% more than traditional traders." Cashmere that's as ethical as it is cozy? Sign us up!

Naadam has been featured by Insider Picks multiple times as well as publications like Racked, Fashionista, and Fortune. If you want guilt-free cashmere and far less cringeworthy prices than comparable quality, check them out.

Pros: Ethically sourced sustainable Mongolian cashmere, wide price range, lots of styles (not just sweaters), 100% cashmere and cashmere blends available

Cons: Only available online



The best plus-size cashmere sweaters

Land's End turns its flair for long-lasting classic designs to cashmere sweaters in a wide range of sizes. 

Cashmere sweater options in plus sizes are unfortunately few and far between. Land's End has a variety of classic styles in a slightly superior size range to many cashmere sweater brands on the market.

Don't get me wrong — We sincerely hope all the brands on this list expand their size offerings. Until that happens, Land's End has a variety of relatively affordable cashmere sweaters that run up to size 3X. This isn't the brand for trendy knitwear, but it's ideal for stocking up on timeless cardigans, pullovers, and turtlenecks.

"Have six of these over years. Wear them all winter," writes one Land's End shopper who gives the Cashmere Cardigan Sweater a 5-star rating.

Soft, durable, and lovely — What more could you ask for in a knit? With tons of fun, bright color options, it's safe to assume you'll to find a Land's End cashmere sweater you can live in this winter.  

Land's End cashmere has been recommended by People and InStyle.

Pros: Wider size range than most brands, classic styles, tons of colors

Cons: Not many trendy styles



The best trendy cashmere sweaters

J.Crew is your one-stop shop for fun cashmere sweaters that go beyond your average camel-colored pullovers.

If you want your cashmere sweater with a side of embellishment and whimsy, hit up your local J. Crew.The ultimate business casual purveyor produces some of the most delightfully tricked-out knits in the business.

Yes, you can take your pick of solid-colored turtle- and crewnecks at J.Crew's Cashmere Shop, many of which come in under $100.

But if it's pattern you crave, you're in the right place. Stripes, stars, hearts, cherries — the brand's current offerings have it all. Personally, I have my eye on this "Merci Beaucoup" emblazoned pullover and a ruffle-adorned cardigan.

J.Crew cashmere might not be as luxe in quality — as Racked points out, the brand doesn't reveal the grade — compared to some of the other brands on this list, but it's soft, fun, and won't break the bank. The brand's cashmere knits have been featured by Best Products, Rank & Style, People, and more.

Pros: Trendier options, affordable, tons of styles

Cons: Not transparent about cashmere grade so you don't quite know what you're paying for



The best luxurious cashmere

For premium cashmere that costs less than a full month's rent, check out Insider Picks-approved brand Cuyana.

You're going to pay more for really, really premium cashmere, that's just a fact of life. If you're ready to invest but don't want to shell out upwards of $1,000 for a turtleneck, check out Cuyana.

The brand's Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater is $495 — pricey, but cheaper than some brands offering comparable quality. According to Racked, the founder says it's "basically a $1,000 sweater" at half the cost, if that makes you feel better about the price tag. The lighter weight Open Cashmere Cardigan is more affordable at $225.

These are currently the only 100% cashmere offerings from the brand, but Cuyana also sells a number of cashmere blend sweaters, like turtlenecks, v-necks, and crewnecks. No matter which you choose, you won't want to take it off once the temperatures drop below freezing.

We love Cuyana here at Insider Picks and think you really can't go wrong with its beautiful, simple items that go with everything. The pieces are well-made and utterly wearable.  

Pros: Luxe premium cashmere for half the cost of leading brands

Cons: Limited number of 100% cashmere styles available



Check out even more great places to buy cashmere

6 places to buy affordable, top-quality cashmere sweaters for as little as $75

Contrary to popular belief, you can find great, affordable cashmere sweaters online if you know where to look.

Savvy shoppers can absolutely find great, affordable options under $150 online. Our reporter Mara rounded up six great options based on personal experience and research. A few budget-friendly options come from major retailers, as well as up-and-coming labels challenging the industry with leaner, more efficient production processes.

Here are six great places to buy cashmere for less than $150:



Check out our buying guides for women's style

The best places to buy women's sweaters

Whether you're battling the office AC or just looking for a cute and cozy top, it's important to have a good sweater or two (dozen).

No matter where you choose to buy your next sweater, we're sure that if you're picking from among our five favorites, you can't go wrong.

Here are the best places to buy sweaters:


The best winter coats for women

Part of the problem with finding a satisfactory winter coat is that it's really hard to tell whether a jacket will be warm enough for the dead of winter until you're wearing it in the dead of winter. Sure, the coat might seem cozy from the comfort of a dressing room. But is it really going to stand up to subzero temps once you bring it outside?

It's certainly possible to both be warm and look hip at the exact same time. Not every option on this list will appeal to everyone's individual aesthetic, of course, but they will all keep you warm without much of a style sacrifice. And that's pretty important.

Here are the best winter coats you can buy:

 



A beauty guru with over 5 million followers said she's sick of 'influencer slander' because it's a job not many people can do

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Amra Olević Reyes

  • Influencer Amra Olević Reyes is sick of people talking down influencers.
  • She said being an influencer is a tough job not everyone can do, because it's a hybrid of many roles such as a stylist, makeup artist, photographer, editor, and creative director.
  • "The only people that discredit influencers are those that tried it and didn't succeed," she said in a tweet. "Don't throw stones now just cause you didn't pop."
  • Reyes told Insider she decided to share her thoughts because she thought her background on the topic would "share a light on the misconceptions about the nature of what we do in a positive and factual way."
  • Some people made fun of her in the replies to her tweet, but many others applauded her for speaking up.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Influencer Amra Olević Reyes is tired of people criticizing her job. On September 27, she tweeted that she was tired of the current trend of influencer bashing because it's a job not everyone can do.

"An influencer is a hybrid of many jobs,"she said. "A stylist, makeup artist, hair stylist, photographer, editor, creative director."

She said not many can actually pull it off and remain consistent, so she doesn't want to hear any "influencer slander" ever again.

"The only people that discredit influencers are those that tried it and didn't succeed," she said in another tweet. "Don't throw stones now just cause you didn't pop."

Reyes, who has 5.8 million Instagram followers, told Insider she decided to tweet her thoughts about this because she wanted to "share a light on the misconceptions about the nature of what we do in a positive and factual way."

"There are many layers to this job," she said. "Engagement is key, which is accompanied by the need to create visually impactful content in a short amount of time, hitting deadlines, and constantly creating conversations with my audience requires my full attention and commitment."

Most importantly, it's a business, she said, and she dedicates as much time to her career as any other professional "striving to push boundaries and try new things."

She said she's made a "24/7" commitment to stay on top of her game.

"Much like any other freelance career it is up to us to create and develop our own opportunities, and with this comes a lot of pressure and behind-the-lens complexities that aren't seen in a static photo," she said. "Time management, editing, and constant attention to detail is crucial if you want to keep your audience growing."

Read more: Being an Instagram influencer is hard work, and people who hate on them are just jealous

Influencers are often considered fair game to make fun of, with people saying it's not a "real job" and that it can't be hard work at all.

Reyes did receive some criticism following her tweet from people who thought she shouldn't give herself labels like "hairdresser" if she wasn't licensed. Others were quick to mock, like one person who replied to Reyes' tweet where she said she encouraged her audience to go after their dreams and love themselves by saying: "I have a Walmart pillow that does the same thing."

But many people in the responses applauded Reyes' words because they felt the same way.

"And can we talk about the confidence?"one fan replied. "You have to be confident and secure of yourself in order to put yourself in front of millions of people. That is a hard task in itself. I know I could never do that."

Fall time in NYC is a major vibe 🍁🍃🍂 What’s your favorite season? Dress @prettylittlething

A post shared by Amra Olević Reyes (@amrezy) on Sep 29, 2019 at 11:06am PDT on

Reyes said it has taken dedication and commitment to create her brand, which she and her husband built from nothing. She told Insider she now has "a voice people trust" so her followers know that her reviews are authentic and genuine, which can be "misunderstood if you are unfamiliar with the nature of the industry."

She also knows it's the opinions of her loyal followers that matter most.

"Many aspects of this job leave you in a position for feedback of all kinds, the good and the bad, and of course I have received the bad!" she said. "However, I have created an extremely close relationship with my followers that support me in any venture I decide to take on, which I'm incredibly grateful for."

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The life and controversies of YouTuber Trisha Paytas, from public feuds and breakups to identifying as 'a chicken nugget'

The whirlwind romances and breakups of YouTube stars fuel our appetite for increasingly extreme and dramatic online entertainment

Kylie Jenner deleted an Instagram video of her new $3 million Bugatti Chiron after being criticized for flaunting her wealth

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Kim Kardashian says her 2019 Met Gala dress was so tight that her sisters prepared to help her go to the bathroom

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kim kardashian 2019 met gala

While Kim Kardashian West has been cinching herself up with her new shapewear line "Skims" lately, who can forget the time she wore the tiniest corset under that "wet look" Thierry Mugler dress at this year's Met Gala?

Turns out, that corset actually made Kardashian-West enlist her sisters' help to use the bathroom— but we're not talking zipping and unzipping a dress, holding fabric, or otherwise. Nope, this was much more than a too-tight dress situation.

Her corset was so tiny that she couldn't sit down without breaking a rib, no less pee in peace! Which meant that, if the need to relieve herself struck, Kardashian West was fully prepared to pee herself. Yep.

kim kardashian 2019 met gala

Read more: Kim Kardashian says she took 'corset breathing lessons' to fit into her tiny Met Gala dress

While we learned about this whole Thierry Mugler dress-sitting ordeal when Kardashian-West attended the Met Gala in the first place, it wasn't until this preview for next week's episode of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" that we discovered her resolution to ditch the bathroom altogether.

In the episode, it looks like we'll be getting another look at her Thierry Mugler dress fittings. In this fitting in particular, Kardashian West is with her friends Natalie Halcro and Jonathan Cheban as she slides into the Mugler piece.

"If I gotta pee, it's a problem," Kardashian West said.

"Can you just wear a diaper?" someone in the room joked. Unfortunately, with the whole skin-tight-dress situation, any kind of adult diaper proves impossible, which left her with really only one option:

"I think if it's an emergency, I would pee my pants and then have my sister wipe my leg up," she said, completely straight-faced. "I'm not even joking. She can wipe my leg up."

Kardashian West was likely mentioning one of the Jenner sisters — Kendall or Kylie — both of whom were in attendance at this year's Met Gala in May. Wow, those little siblings do come in clutch.

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