Denim's Back, But Denim-on-Denim Is Pushing It

Thanks to the recession, premium denim comes at a lower premium

(NEWSER) - If you couldn't afford a pair of "premium jeans" last year, maybe you can now. Though the basic components of jeans haven't changed in decades, prices skyrocketed early in the decade—but thanks to the recession, designer denim that might have gone for more than $300 two years ago is now priced in the $200 range. "It was all just a fad," one exec tells the New York Times . More»

Floral prints? Baby doll dresses? No way, say today's stylists

(NEWSER) - Women are starting to turn their backs on girly pastels, floral prints, and strappy heels in favor of a more aggressive, tough-but-sexy look. “It’s not cool to be demure,” one stylist, who prefers big T-shirts over ripped jeans, tells the New York Times . The trend toward a more utilitarian look is partially a response to the struggling economy: “So-called luxury—people are tired of it,” says a boutique owner. More»

Chest hair is no longer a 1970s relic—it's back

(NEWSER) - Plunging necklines: They’re not just for women anymore. Male cleavage is back, and if you like chest hair and heaving pecs, you’re sure to appreciate the variety of V-necks and scoop-neck tops for men that are hitting the runways. The Wall Street Journal takes a look at the history of man cleavage, from bare-chested heroes of last century’s early swashbuckling films, to recent stars who just like to leave a button or three undone. View our gallery for the run down. More»

Once scary, now stylish, skulls are trendy—and not just at Halloween

(NEWSER) - Skulls, once seen as sinister symbols, are now used on everything from children's shirts to underwear. Sara Dickerman of Slate takes a look at how the trend developed:

• In the 16th century, artists like Albrecht Dürer were still using skulls to remind people of their mortality.
• French pirate Emanuel Wynn was the first to use the skull-and-crossbones logo on his ship's flag.
• As skulls came to symbolize bravado, fighters—from US special operations to the Nazi SS—used them on uniforms.

Designer gives butt a lift and fly a boost

(NEWSER) - Good news for the flat-bottomed: Calvin Klein’s Body jeans do for your lower half what a push-up bra does for your upper half, the New York Post reports—and both men and women can get a lift from the new line. The ladies get a rounder, more flattering look for their bums, and men enjoy a larger-looking fly area. The miracle workers will set you back $79.50. More»