The phrase “dressed to kill” just got more literal. Most gang members and self-defense nuts will be aware of a lot of these but the regular person on the street wouldn’t dream of anyone stabbing them with a tie. Until now…

Boot or Neck Knife

The next time you spot a woman wearing a necklace which is partially obscured by her shirt take caution. These double-edged knives are often worn on the inside of a boot or on a belt; but as you can see the clip on the sheath can be attached to a chain and worn around your neck.

Brass-Knuckles Belt Buckle

The idea of using a belt as a weapon is not new a new one. The old ’swinging the buckle like a mace’ technique bares that out. For a more contemporary beatdown, you might want to invest in a creative brass knuckle belt buckle design. Despite their name, brass knuckles are most often created from a piece of steel that is shaped to fit around your knuckles. The point of this design is to increase the power of you strike by delivering it through a smaller and much harder contact zone. A punch thrown with a pair of these can lead to cuts and has the possibility of fracturing a bone.

Pocket Knife Tie-Clip

A tie-clip is a common addition to any suit ensemble. It not only looks good but it serves a purpose as well; it has the added benefit of holding your tie in place. However, when a compact, lightweight and flashy pocket knife is used as a tie-clip, the purpose becomes violent. The above knife has the perfect size and weight to serve as both a self-defense weapon and tie-clip; in fact the company that produces the above knife states that it can be used as a money or tie-clip. As if that wasn’t the intended purpose…

Garrote Watch

Fans of the popular British spy films will recognize this deadly fashion accessory. Concealed in this watch is a tough cord that is called a garrote. This weapon was used as a form of capital punishment in Spain where the condemned individual would have the collar tightened around his neck until death occurred due to the damage to the spinal column or strangulation.

Pen with Concealed Blade

Personally I believe in carrying a pen on my person because there are times when you need to write down something important. That is why people tend to carry fancy looking pens in their shirt or jacket pockets. However, the owner of this knife is less concerned with writing down appointments or taking down phone numbers; he is more worried about self-defense.

Dagger Shoe

Here is another fashionable weapon for all of you espionage fans out there. These ‘overly pointy’ shoes can be seen in the 007 film “From Russia with Love”. They have also made appearances in other action movies such as “The Punisher”, “Wild Wild West” and “The Dark Knight”. The idea is that there is a concealed blade in the shoe which can be triggered to emerge from the tip, similar to a switch blade. With the addition of this footwear all kicks have the potential to do lethal damage.

Chinese Prayer Beads

These beads can be worn around your neck or a shorter version can be placed around your wrist. The beads can be carved out of material like wood, amber and other more precious sources. This fashionable and religious accessory becomes dangerous when a durable cord is used to string the beads together since it can then be used as a garrote. Take a look at the first fight scene in this Jet Li video and you can see how deadly this item can be in the hands of an expert.

The Steel Rimmed Bowler Hat

Here is another deadly item of clothing from the James Bond film franchise; this dangerous headwear was sported by the assassin Oddjob in Goldfinger. It is a modified version of the late 19th Century design by William and Thomas Bowler called a Bowler hat. In the movie Oddjob was able to throw this hat at his victims and the brim was so sharp that it could cut through bone. This may not be completely realistic; but being hit in the face by a steel brimmed hat would do some damage.

Stiletto Heel

This vicious looking piece of footwear has intimidated me for many years; not only does it seem dangerous to the owner’s ankles but the heels look extremely sharp. In fact, the heel was named after a thin Italian dagger. These heels can be as long as five inches and have a narrow point with a diameter of only three-eighths of an inch. Some films have picked up on this potential for violence. In the film “Single White Female” Jennifer Jason Leigh used the spike of her stiletto to kill someone.

Machine Gun Briefcase

A briefcase is a necessary accessory to the attire of many businessmen. Most of the time these stylish cases contain business papers; however, this version has been modified to contain a sub-machine. The handle of the briefcase has been rigged with a trigger to enable the owner to fire rounds through a hole in the briefcase. Surprisingly this device is rumored to be quite accurate.

T-handle Knife Worn as a Belt Accessory

With an overall length of 2 5/8’’ this pair of t-handle knives can fit snugly into their sheath and be attached to your belt to look like a harmless accessory. However, as Sly Stallone demonstrates in this clip from Rambo: First Blood part 2, these knives can change the direction of a conflict once they have been unsheathed

With all of these potential fashion weapons I think that I’ll be a little more aware of the people surrounding me the next time I go shopping for some clothes.

I often think to myself, sitting on the bus, waiting at the passport office, shopping for groceries, “Why can’t real life be more like musicals?” “When will everyone breakout into that song and dance we all magically know?” Well, Daffy’s, a renowned New York-based fashion outlet seems to have shared my sentiment, and put into motion an advertising campaign that has made my musical dream one step closer to reality.

(more…)

As pretty as snow can be, facing brutally cold temperatures, seeing my skin turn a translucent hue of mucous green and watching night fall by 4:30 in the afternoon often carries my brain to a very dark place. I am a summer girl. I like sunshine, hot, humid, sticky air, and seeing beautiful people dilly-dallying the streets half-naked. Alas, I live in a country with four seasons and will not be leaving any time soon, therefore I’ve decided there is only one way to overcome the winter-blues and that’s to immerse myself in at least one winter activity. So, after almost six years away from the slopes I’m strapping on my fluorescent yellow 1987 K2 Batman skis and letting the cool winter air put a twinge of colour back into my booger cheeks while I bomb down the hills.

But what to wear? Here are some of the hot and practical fashion trends (yes they do exist) I’ve compiled to rock the slopes in style.

Snowsuit

One of the big snowsuit trends this year is the one-piece. Though I remember making fun of these not too far back, I have to admit that they really are the most effective ways of keeping snow out and the bod nice and warm. When it comes to winter clothing I always look for quality, durability and style so I tend to stick with reputable name brands such as North Face, Burton and Columbia.

My pick:

North Face Women’s Shugga one-piece snow Suit. The Shugga one-piece is pricy ($498.95) but North Face always offers lifetime warranties and is amongst the warmest of winter-wear out there. Some of the features include:

• Waterproof breathable HyVent 2L denim and fully taped seams block wetness
• 60/80 Grams of Heatseeker insulation in torso, butt, and knees for extra warmth where you need it
• Underarm vents and Chimney Venting System in pants (thigh and gaiter vents) dump excess heat
• Leg gaiters keep snow out on deep pow days
• Adjustable waist-belt for the right fit
• Lycra hand cuffs bridge the gap between cuffs and gloves

Boots

Whether I’m on the hill or cozying up at a ski lodge, sipping a yummy alcoholic beverage to warm my tummy, I like to walk around in a lightweight and warm pair of ski boots. Ski boots represent a considerable investment but they’re not the place to trim your ski budget. Look for a boot that provides comfort, but that keeps the foot secure. If the foot is not secure you will lose mechanical advantage while skiing.

My pick:

The Salomon Foil Ski boot. It’s gotten excellent reviews. Very comfortable, highly adjustable, lightweight, buckles easily and retains warmth.

Goggles

One of the most important pieces of equipment for any snowboarder or skier is a quality pair of ski goggles. They protect your eyes from the snow in harsh conditions and keep them from tearing while you are going down the hill. If you wear a helmet then look for a pair of goggles that are helmet compatible.

My pick:

Smith Anthem Goggles. They are the top rated and most popular ski goggles for women. The design best fits women’s facial features, which means no sliding off your face. The Smith goggles are helmet compatible and they come with a protective microfiber storage bag.

Gloves

I have incredibly bad circulation so a warm pair of gloves is an absolute must.

My Pick:

Marmot’s Randonnee Gloves provide excellent water resistance and can withstand repeated wet/dry cycles without cracking. Plus, they are twice as warm as many similar insulations, yet not as bulky.

Hat

No only do I have a profound love for hats, but also for men in diesel clothing. So, to at least partially get the best of both worlds, I’ve decided to marry hat and Diesel into one deliciously warm head-fashion accessory.

My Pick:

The Diesel Eyecapa Cap. This will definitely be my fashionable head warmer on the slopes as I am also mad about pompoms. Made of 80% wool and 20% nylon, I can be assured maximal warmth and a whole lotta style.

Isn’t it odd how the emaciated Lindsay Lohan’s and Nicole Richie’s of the world like to swim in large fabrics, while some of their more ample-sized counterparts seem to have no problem busting out of their crop-tops and low-waisted jeans with their muffin tops hanging out? The media and fashion industry cruelly make fashion victims of the impressionable and here are some examples of the grossly unflattering fashion missteps people make by either trying to squeeze into the wrong sizes or by drowning in clothes that don’t fit.

Baggy In All The Wrong Places

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems the only explainable reason for skinny celebrities to wear such unflatteringly large garbs must be to hide an eating disorder. Either that, or a baby bump. But with their alcohol and drug consumption, we sure hope not, as the pregnancy would surely be a cause for medical alarm.

Solution: If you have a skinny bodytype and don’t want to accentuate your bony structure you can still wear tailored clothing. In fact, baggy clothes may highlight your inability to fill out clothing.  If you’re looking for an alternative to the skinny-pant try a flared or boot-cut instead. Layered clothing is also an asset to skinny women. Pairing a sleeveless cardigan with a fitted tee is a good example. Belts are another way of adding shape to your body.

Tight In All The Wrong Places

Where to begin while trying to avoid ejecting part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements? These outfits go beyond the realms of trashy.  For what not to do, consult the above photo. Big can be beautiful, but let’s tidy up the packaging a little. Lacing ropes tightly up and down your pudge is no good way to attract attention. Also, even the nicest of asses should leave themselves to be discovered, rather than flag themselves at onlookers against their will.

Solution: I’m not at all suggesting that fuller figured women hide themselves from head to toe. Most men enjoy something to hold on to, but it would be nice if they also felt comfortable bringing you to a restaurant. Finding a bra that fits is key. Most decent lingerie stores have women who will measure and fit you. Keeping the girls up where they should be will make the rest of dressing easier. Go for clothing that is tailored, but not form-fitting. Purchase skirts and dresses that go to the knee, and avoid the skinny jean. Pants should be boot cut or slightly flared and go all the way to the ground. Avoid round necked and extremely deep ‘V’ cut tops; instead opt for blouses, three quarter lengthed sleeve tops or a wrap top.

Hips Don’t Lie

Curves are one of the most beautiful and defining traits of woman, but for those packing in a lot of extra badonkadonk, form-fitting attire that looks like it has been painted on to the skin is not the way to go. Also, structured corsets squeezing your upper half don’t help either. Detailing on the hip itself is another no-no, because it leads the eye to what you’ve now made into a problem area.

Solution: For bigger hips, bring the attention upwards. Wear shirts with texture, detailing or other accents. Look for a boot or straight leg pant, steering very clear of the skinny jean which will only amplify the pear shape. If you need to wear a belt, stay away from the bulky loud ones. For dresses, seek out ones with a high, umpire waist which will detract from the hips and bring out your bust.

Inedible Muffin Tops

Mmmmmmany women are leaving the house with untucked rolls nowadays. Yes, we love a low-waisted jean, but not if it reveals a tire of belly and back-fat. These are the things that make a curvy body look wrong, when curvy women are so right.

Solution: Get a nice pair of moderate to high-waisted jeans. Wear your shirt tucked in, or long, past the waist of the jeans. Avoid crop tops or shirts that show your skin whenever you’re reaching for something. Pants you have to pull up or shirts you have to pull down are only a struggle and a bulge revealer.

Sausage Rolls

Some people think that squeezing oneself into a tight body stocking is a good way to seem slim. A slim Jim is more like it. If you have to lie down on a bed to get your pants up, they are too tight.

Solution: Skinny jeans can be fabulous. The key is to find some with a good amount of stretch to them so they aren’t cutting off your circulation. Non-stretch jeans will also stretch out more and not go back to their original size as easily.

Peek-a-butt

We all have one, but some of us feel more like sharing than others. This semi-exhibitionist trend is beyond me.

Solution: Guys, pull up your pants and purchase a belt.

Tall Tees

Shirts like these are great paired with such eloquent expressions as ‘”hey brah” and “dude, your kicks are tight”. They aren’t, however, good for second dates or respect.

 Solution: Long shirts only make you look shorter, which for a man is not ideal. Tall Tees if they must exist at all are, as the name suggests, for tall people. Crop it. Stop it.