Just in case the tween crowd in Beverly Hills can't find any wealthy billionaires willing to invest in their promising clothing lines (unlike mini mogul Kira Plastinina), there's a new store opening in their neighborhood where every aspiring Project Runway contestants currently trapped in elementary school can let their creative juices flow.

Much like Build-a-bear, Fashionology is a fun haven where girls between the ages of 8 and14 can customize various styles of basic articles of clothing (tank, hoodie, and capri prints) with a simple touch of a screen; no sewing is involved.

Since the glorious days of L.A. Lights, we haven't been able to get excited about any clothing that needs batteries -- until now. Lots of companies have been marketing devices that make dealing with cords and ear buds less annoying, but wiring a hoodie for sound -- that has got to be the coolest solution to the problem yet.

The "hood.e" combines two of our favorite things: mp3 players and hoodies into what some might call the ultimate piece of street wear. Apparently, Tim Dubitsky designed the amped-up hoodie for his nephew who crosses busy intersections on the way to school. Tim wanted to free up his nephew from the noise-blocking effect of ear buds, so he could be a little safer on his way through the busy streets. Thus, the hood.e was born. Somebody please mass produce these things.

[via Core77]

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with the designer behind dressedbydanni, a UK-based independent fashion label, and the creator of the halterneck hoodie, a super fun and flirty style perfect for spring.

The most common excuse I hear for wearing atrocities like tracksuits and terribly ill-fitting pants (please see the picture to the right) is "But it's so comfy!" Um, okay. I didn't know comfort was a reason to show up to the supermarket like a velour nightmare. How many times have you stumbled out of bed, gone to the nearby Starbucks with the intention to be in and out within ten minutes, only to bump into a friend (I won't mention if they're super attractive or not) and be immediately consumed with hot embarrassment because you look like you, well, stumbled out of bed? And if that hasn't happened yet, it will, my friend. It will. Looking somewhat decent doesn't take that much work, actually. No one should have to get glammed up to go for a morning coffee run, but no one should be able to confuse you for a homeless person either. Here are some helpful hints on how to not look like a slob without sacrificing your morning.

Oh, your aching head. And if you're already up this early, you're probably in some real pain. You aren't doing anything today except curling up in bed, maybe moving to the couch to watch the Rose Parade, then going back to assume the fetal position in bed when a wave of slight nausea hits again, right?

Happy New Year!

Hopefully you aren't still in whatever gorgeous thing you were wearing last night, but if you are, get out of it immediately! Throw on something comfortable, like American Apparel's Raglan Hoodie Dress. The 10% cotton fleece is comfortable enough to wear to lounge around the house, but since it's a dress, you won't feel like a total heel when you drag yourself out of the house to the only 7-11 open in your nabe for monster bottle of Gatorade.

Available for $39 at AmericanApparel.

The ever-practical sweatshirt known as the hoody long ago broke with its music-geek origins only to become a fashionable staple that has stood the test of time. (Or at least the test of the last decade...)

Originally made from flocked cotton with a simple drawstring hood, modern designers have taken the basic idea of the zip-up and converted it into a luxury idea that comes in a wide array of fabrics, ranging from cashmere to velour.

And what is it about the hoody that keeps us infatuated? Some would says it's the hood, but I'm inclined to say it's the zipper. As Jonathon recently pointed out in a post, zippers are by far the most compelling of the notions (buttons, clasps, etc).

From greasy-haired Elliott Smith wannabes to Sid Vicious tributants and celebrities emulator star-struck with Paris Hilton, the easy-on, easy-off handling of the hoody makes it a natural choice for an infinite number of occasions.

Are you feeling sporty? Try a Juicy Couture hoody (but not the pants, mind you. What do you think this is -- 2002?).
Are you feeling bohemian? Throw on a cashmere hoody with a cute dress that almost passed its season.
Are you feeling casual? Hoodies and jeans couldn't find better companions.

This fall, as you transition from the long, warm days of summer to the brisk air of autumn, keep yourself feeling rakish and toasty with a hoody in hand.

Wish you could take on the bad guys, run like the wind, and leap tall buildings in a single bound?

While these looks from Bape may not help you fight evil villains, they'll make you look like a superhero -- which, I think, is equally as important. Teaming up with Marvel Comics, the design house has created a range of Batman, Superman and The Flash pieces -- including the Batman hoodie (with ear pieces!) pictured above. You can now pay homage to the inherent coolness of men with freakish speed and strength -- plus, the range fits in nicely with the emergence of geek chic, that's all the rage with 20somethings everywhere. Bonus.

Unfortunately, you'd have to be Bruce Wayne to afford any of the pieces. The Flash sweatshirt retails at $351, and the Batman hoodie will set you back $439 -- which is more than a little out of my price range.

That said, the design is pretty straightforward. Not that I'd advocate stealing someone else's idea, but with an iron, a red sweatshirt, and a Flash patch from your local comic book shop, it looks like you could make your own at 10th of the price. Just a thought.

Me to We: [Responsible Style] is a new brand dedicated to making clothes in a socially responsible way. That means co-founder Oliver Madison along with advisors Craig and Marc Kielburger have put together a clothing line that is domestically produced, sweatshop-free and made using certified organic cotton. It doesn't end with production, though. Fifty percent of the profit goes to Free The Children, an charitable organization that supports development projects in rural and impoverished areas around the world.

The line is like a limited collection of American Apparel products, with t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and the like. The fact that Me to We's pieces are so basic make it that much easier to be a socially responsible consumer. Everyone needs t-shirts, right? With all those options out there, why not buy the one that has a positive impact on the world?

We're assuming that like the majority of people, your company gave you the day off today. You can lounge, perhaps think about why we have the day off.

However, if you actually don't even have a job to begin with, then may we call you Young, Fabulous, and...Broke?

Perfectly fitting name too, for this adorable white hoodie dress by Young, Fabulous & Broke. The dress has a V-neckline that reaches to an empire waist that's embellished with a bow. The sleeves are short, so you might be cold on this January day if you go outside. Either throw on a pair of warm leggings underneath, or just stay inside and watch the Golden Globes.

The White Hoodie Dress by Young, Fabulous & Broke is $115 at Neiman Marcus.

Boing.

Boing.

Boing.

You are mad hopping around town this weekend getting your Holiday Hullaballoo on, which is why Norma Kamali's Everlast Kangaroo Terry Dress is perfect. The dress is basically a very long hooded sweatshirt that is belted at the waist with a fogiving drawstring to give you shape. That way, you won't look like you simply tossed on The Boy's old XL hoodie. It has 3/4-length sleeves, ric-knit cuffs and hem, and falls to about 34". If you're daring enough, go bare legged, but we think leggings are very appropriate in this case.

The dress comes in a light heather grey, but we like the greige better. The coffee stains won't be as obvious.

Available at Nordstrom for $185.

The word of the day today, Sunday, the last weekend day before Thanksgiving, is...comfort. You are starting at the Farmers' Market to pick fresh produce, then zipping across town to place your order for your fresh turkey, then jetting back to hit up the grocery store, the kitchen supply store, the craft store for your tablescape, and finally grabbing a stack of placecards from the printer on your way home. You are busy. You are active. You need a comfortable outfit to whirl about town.

The natural choice for fast and functional is sweats, but how will you flirt with the barista behind the counter when you buy a bag of Thanksgiving Spice blend for the big day? This adorable Argyle Hoodie Dress has the comforts of your favorite hooded sweatshirt, including pockets so you don't lose your keys, but is absolutely adorable with its short puffed sleeves, V-neck, and argyle detail at the shoulders.

The dress comes in red or gray, and is available from Modcloth for $59.99.

Did I say you were going to get to know Mike & Chris? If you didn't think I meant it, I did. Mike & Chris is known for their unconventional takes on that urban essential, the hoodie, and what they've done with the Ethan is pulled it long and made it into a pullover hoodie dress. It has all casual comfort of a classic hooded sweatshirt like 100% cotton fleece, kangaroo front pocket, and drawstring hood, but the Ethan dress is stylish in its slim fit, and short, cuffed, kimono sleeves. So you can run around town doing your errands all day in the Ethan dress and a pair of leggings, then take it to a casual dinner with some fabulous boots and handbag.

The dress was originally $173, on sale for $87 at GirlShop.