Unique Los Angeles

With Mother's Day and graduation season right around the corner, it's time to think about gift shopping. For those of you in the Los Angeles area, you might want to check out this weekend's Unique Los Angeles independent design and gift sale - featuring over 275 designers and artists all in one place at the California Market Center. SpoonFed Art will be participating in this amazing showcase of

Trendspotting At LF Stores In Santa Barbara

Ever since I can remember shopping along Santa Barbara's State Street, LF Stores has been at the top of my list for its trend-forward and inspiring merchandise. So when LF sent me these lookbook photos of their newest collection, I knew it was time to pay them a visit, chat with the ever-so-stylish employees, and see what they had in store this season. Rather than write out an in-depth analysis

Have a Little Faith

Items from Faith 21's new line

Apparently 60% of women 18 or over are wearing size 12-plus, yet most fashion stores only stock items up to a size 12/14 max. With "plus size" fashion being an under served yet highly in-demand market, Forever 21 is stepping up to the plate and launching their new line called Faith 21 for women size 12 and over. As a side note I can't understand why being a size 12 is considered "plus size". I'm 5"9 and a size 8/10 and I'm a 'large' in Forever 21!! And let's hope the quality of this new line is a little better. I'd like to be able to put their clothes in the washing machine without fear of them disintegrating.

Anyway, this new line will feature items similar to other Forever 21 clothing lines, including flirty dresses, trendy tops, skirts, jeans and basics such as T-shirts, camisoles, tanks and leggings (see above pics for a sample). The target customer is age 15 to 29. Prices will range from $3.80 to $29.80. Look out for the launch later this month. The line will be available in some of the chain’s new or mall locations, but it will not be stocked at the Michigan Avenue flagship store, at least not immediately.

Five Tips To Look Taller

A reader recently emailed me to ask for tips on how she could appear taller. Being petite myself, I can certainly relate, and I thought I'd share a few tricks that I've learned.Go nude. Flesh-toned pumps are the quickest way to make your legs appear longer. Go for the highest heel that you can tolerate and comfortably walk in. Be sure to avoid ankle straps (unless they're flesh-toned as well), as

Coming Soon...

Good news for cheap chic/budget shoppers in Santa Barbara! A stroll down State Street today revealed that a new Forever 21 store will be opening at the large two-story location formerly occupied by Anthropologie. Just before I took this photo, the guys were outside applying the "coming soon" stickers to the window. Upon inquiring with the staff at nearby store Reference (which is operated by

The Fast Fashion Fix List

Flipping through my old fashion magazines, I came upon a feature in an issue of Elle UK called "High Street Hit List", in which the editors list what they think are the best places to find certain items, such as party dresses, hair accessories, or quality outerwear. Duly inspired, I've created my own "Fast Fashion Fix List." As a frequent shopper of many chain (a.k.a. high street) stores, I've

Looking At Loomstate For Target

Always a fan of Target's limited edition designer collections, I ventured out to shop the new eco-friendly Loomstate for Target line which launched in stores today. Unlike previous designer efforts, this one included offerings for both men and women. While the men's racks were pristine and seemingly untouched, the women's racks looked like they'd been ravaged by hungry Loomstate shoppers. Many of

Confessions Of A Footwear Addict

(images from gojane.com) Now that I'm eagerly anticipating your arrival on my doorstep, I've got to go make room in my closet.

I Like You

After two years of blogging about fashion, I admit that there are times when it seems like a thankless effort, but for the most part it's very gratifying and rewarding. Lately I've been finding that many new bloggers are linking to my site and it's quite an honor. I'm flattered each and every time I see that an up and coming blogger lists me in their "daily reads" or "favorites" blogroll.

Just A Thought

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of flipping through magazines whose pages are filled with unattainable, expensive designer wares. Whether it's $1,295 for a handbag or $795 for a pair of pumps, I'd like to see much more affordable options. In consideration of the fact that so many people are struggling financially and cutting back on shopping these days, it would be refreshing to see

Simply Spring

If my allergies and the mild weather are any indication of the seasons, then spring is in full bloom. While I dread the allergies that spring often brings, I look forward to more sunshine and a fresh crop of silhouettes. The bright new colors, lighter fabrics, and bold new prints currently in Forever 21's store windows are effortless ways to ease into the new season. They've got everything from

Love Culture

My shopping trip to The Oaks Mall uncovered a new fast fashion destination that's probably got some local teen shoppers talking. Think Forever 21, but with much more polyester, compelling visual merchandising, and price points generally under $30. It's called Love Culture, and I admit I've never heard of it. The website indicates that it's under construction, and my google searches reveal limited

Encircled

When I spent a few days in Stockholm last year, I was fascinated by one particular trend I kept noticing on the streets. It seemed as though many of Stockholm's chic female denizens used a scarf to finish off their cold weather looks. I'm not talking (or writing) about just any old scarf. What I saw were statement-making oversize scarves with an abundance of fringe. Scarves so colossal that they

The Sleeves Have It

Beyonce arrives at the premiere of Cadillac Records held at The Egyptian Theater on November 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

Veronica Webb attends the opening night celebration of the New York City Ballet at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln CenterNew York, November 25, 2008

Paula Patton arrives at 51st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles on February 8, 2009

Puffed up sleeves seem to be all the rage these days. If you thought you'd left pink, frilly, puff-sleeved birthday dresses behind you think again. Now you can wear them in black for the after party. Take your cue from Beyonce, Veronica and Paula. They prove that any trend can be modernized. The sleeves definitely have it. See below for some inspiration.

My Picks!

Left to right: Chetta B Lace & Taffeta Dress, $525, www.saksfifthavenue.com; Juicy Couture Short Puff Sleeve Waisted Shell, $298, www.revolveclothing.com; ELLA MOSS Agnes Puff Sleeve Dress in Heather Grey, www.revolveclothing.com

Left to right: Lamé shift dress by Rue Du Mail, $2000, www.brownsfashion.com; Noreen dress coat by Beyond the Valley, $168, www.farfetch.com; Silk Puff Sleeve Dress, $42, www.forever21.com/twelve

Big isn't always better. So if you're apprehensive about donning voluminous sleeves, opt for dresses with subtler "puffs". This look is great for those who want to take a little risk with their style choices but not look too fashion conscious. My favorite has to be green dress from Forever 21's "Twelve by Twelve" line. For $42, you simply can't go wrong!

The Fashion Fit Formula

As an independent fashion blogger, I'm fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of dozens of emails each day from various people in the fashion industry. Admittedly, it's difficult to respond to everyone and provide them with the exposure that they're looking for. But this particular pitch caught my attention, as I think the information is particularly relevant and informative, given the

Pacified

The arrival of warm sunny weather inspired me to welcome spring with bare arms and two new pieces from H&M - a striped tank top and floral skirt. While mixing prints such as stripes and florals can be tricky, I've found that they key to creating such a look (and making it appear effortless) is to keep the color palettes of both pieces similar. Although I'm often tempted to wear the myriad

H&M Spring/Summer Inspiration

Are you counting down the days until Matthew Williamson's collection for H&M debuts? Well you can watch Matthew Williamson discuss his collaboration with H&M right here. In the video, he shows us his colorful Spring/Summer collection. The exclusive footage of the clothes is commented upon by Margareta van den Bosch (Creative Advisor H&M), Vanessa V. Friedman (Fashion Editor Financial Times), and

In Studs I Trust

You may have seen the original versions on the Balmain Spring '09 runway. Or perhaps you've seen the more affordable versions done by both Zara and Aldo. Or maybe even the gorgeous Jeffrey Campbell "Mel" version featured in Teen Vogue or on solestruck.com. In any case, they're arguably the shoes of the season, they're smothered in studs and rhinestones, and they're the object of desire for many a

Spring Windows At H&M

On those rare occasions when Forever 21 can't satifsy my cheap chic fix, H&M is always there to offer me plenty of temptation and inspiration. (I rarely walk out empty-handed.) Per my latest visit, H&M's spring offerings include: Disney tank tops, tie-front cropped tops, graphic hoodies, colored skinnies, braided belts, gladiator sandals, cropped blazers, nautical striped knits, zebra prints, and