The British Style Bloggers Ebook

I want to thank Amy T. of British Style Bloggers for asking me to be a part of the "Feel Good" ebook. It's a huge honor to have my work included amongst that of such talented and uplifting people. Congratulations and a job well done to all who contributed!

Best News Ever

As I type this, I'm breathless and giddy with excitement. You see, I just returned from shopping and I saw that H&M will be opening a new store this fall at Ventura's humble Pacific View Mall. Ventura area shoppers - chic, trendy, and affordable clothing via the super stylish Swedes can soon be yours.When I first saw the H&M signage, I shrieked in amazement and happiness, so loudly in fact that

Walking in Warm Weather

Although I'm undoubtedly partial to boots, the time of year eventually comes when it's time to shed the heavy footwear, ditch the socks, freshen the pedicure, and show some toes. While window shopping at Urban Outfitters in Santa Barbara this weekend, I spotted some perfectly pretty sandals (and some brogues) ideal for the summery weather we're currently enjoying in southern California. This

Shopping the H&M Garden Collection

This morning I visited my nearest H&M store in an effort to inspect the affordable and eco-friendly Garden Collection. Apparently, other shoppers were anxious to check it out as well. I arrived shortly before lunchtime, and there appeared to be high shopper interest in the floral tunics and floaty dresses. Never one to shy away from a colorful floral print, I snapped a few photos of the

Retail and Shopping News

I want to share some interesting shopping and retail information that landed in my inbox yesterday. According to the Colliers International 2010 Retail Trends and Opportunities report that was just released,"Department stores are jumping on the ‘Cheap is Chic’ bandwagon over the next couple of years, joining the slew of dollar stores and pop-up stores taking over vacant retail spaces left behind

Five Fresh Picks for Spring 2010

Now that spring is officially here, I'm stowing away my heavy jackets, stocking up on sunblock, and finding inspiration in everything from florals, utilitarian details, sky high wedges, and patchwork denim (the answer to last season's ripped and distressed denim). With more hours of daylight to enjoy, I'll be searching for fun incarnations of straw hats, sleeveless tops, and lace up sandals.

Why I Don't Read Shape or Self

Once upon a time, when I first began to incorporate exercise into my life, I subscribed to Shape magazine. With my newfound interest in fitness tips and exercise ideas, I initially found the magazine to be informative and helpful. After a few months, however, my opinions of magazines such as Shape and Self began to change. It seemed as though the majority of the content was geared towards advice

Spring 2010 Sandals

Given the summer-like weather we're having in California, I'm tempted to dig out my sandals and bring them to the front of my closet in exchange for my myriad boots. In order to get inspired to bare my toes for the official start of spring this weekend, I've been browsing my recent store window photos for sandal ideas. Knotted sandals, embellished gladiators, flirty peep-toes, and multi-strap

French Fashion Is Fun

Here's another video clip via Barracuda Film & TV. This one shows the Sonia Rykiel A/W 2010 collection shown during Paris Fashion Week on March 7th. It features exclusive interviews with Nathalie and Sonia Rykiel, Anna Dello Russo, and Susan Cernek, in addition to behind-the-scenes footage. It's refreshing to see the models smiling, winking, and enjoying themselves on the runway. Perhaps it's the

Zac Posen for Target

On April 25th, Target's Go International will start selling it's latest one-of-a-kind offerings from acclaimed young designer Zac Posen. If you recognise the model in the above pictures it's Ms. Golden Globe '10 herself, Mavis Spencer (Alfre Woodard's daughter). It's being reported that she's Zac Posen's latest muse and I can see why judging from these gorgeous floral prints that look like they were made just for her. To view a sneak peak of his upcoming collection, click here.

Floral Fever - A Mini Review of Liberty of London for Target

In an effort to satisfy my love for Liberty prints, bounce back from my disappointment over the nylon-infested Jean Paul Gaultier line, and inspect the Liberty of London for Target merchandise in person, I arrived at Target just before 8am this morning. No, I'm not proud to admit this, but I was determined in my search to hunt down the teapot, wallets, scarves, mugs, and rain boots. Given the

Staying Neutral

Just as in spring 2009, neutral hues are big news for spring 2010. They're ideal for those who shy away from the brighter colors often associated with spring. To counteract the understated effect of neutral accessories, play with textures and materials in order to create visual interest. Faux animal textures, stacked bangles, strappy sandals, oversize rings, and embellished handbags are fresh

Jodi Arnold Shopping Event

I haven't been as good as I want to be about posting L.A. events and sales, but here is one event that might interest my L.A. readers.Jodi Arnold will be throwing a Fashion Trunk Show & Benefit at The Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday, March 20. Guests will have the opportunity to take 30% off the not-yet-released Jodi Arnold Spring collection, and enjoy cocktails and original art. A

In Ventana

When I started this blog just over three years ago, I never imagined seeing my words in a magazine. Although I briefly entertained the idea of being a writer in the third grade, as an adult, I gravitated towards trend forecasting and trend spotting. As much as I love what I'm doing, I'm starting to lean more towards other writing projects. This blog has given me valuable writing experience, and

Sonia Rykiel for H&M, Anyone?

I completely forgot to post these photos of the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection that I took during my time in San Francisco last month. Given the popularity and instant sell-out status of the Cavalli and CdG for H&M collections, I was quite surprised to see the Rykiel merchandise still on the racks of the San Francisco flagship three days after its release on February 20. As much as I love a

I Like to Bike

Like many other people, I gasped in delight when I first saw the photo of the floral-printed Liberty of London for Target bicycle. Unlike many other people, however, I ride a bike about 40 miles per week. It started in the summer of '08. Sick of my treadmill and elliptical workouts at home, I dusted off an old mountain bike and began riding several days per week on a trail. Soon I sold the

My Non-Review of Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

No doubt some of my readers are awaiting my review of Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, which debuts today. After all the blogger buzz and amateur reviews surrounding Rodarte's line for Target, I temporarily lost my enthusiasm for fitting room photos and commentary on Target's collaborations. Having reviewed these lines for years, I've realized that Target doesn't respond to or acknowledge the

Trend Spotting - Abstract Prints

It seems as though each spring, certain prints take center stage on the trend cycle: nautical stripes, dainty florals, preppy gingham, polka dots, worldly ethnic prints, and abstract designs. When it comes to prints, although I'm unabashedly drawn to florals, stripes, and animal motifs, abstract prints also appeal to me. Recent window displays and magazine editorials that I've seen have sparked

H&M Spring Inspiration

I've got two videos courtesy of Barracuda Film & TV showing spring trends at H&M. I always find their videos so inspiring. H&M's design team interprets runway trends in a way that's both relatable and affordable for the masses. The first clip focuses on prints and color, with some short commentary from industry insiders, while the second one is a lookbook set to music with models wearing

Sample the Style

Issue #6 of Style Sample magazine is curently available, and I'm honored to be a part of the "Dolly Daydream" feature. This issue features super stylish Liz of Late Afternoon, gives tips on comment etiquette for bloggers, and provides very useful advice on how to develop healthy relationships with PR reps. I highly recommend reading each issue of Style Sample magazine from cover to cover, as

I Want Wedges

For the seemingly endless transitional time between winter and spring, I'm loving the idea of wedge ankle boots. While I'm not quite ready to bare my toes, I am ready to opt for shorter length boots in anticipation of spring. Infinitely more comfortable and practical than stiletto or block heels for days on my feet, wedge boots strike the perfect balance between chic and casual. I spotted

That's Why They Call It The Blues

The trend that I've been calling "Denim Revival" is in full swing at many of the window displays that I just photographed in San Francisco. H&M's windows are featuring various shades of blue, with chambray skirts, gingham tops, boyfriend jeans, and nautical stripes. The wedges in the first photo were spotted at Nordstrom, and I believe they're the "Ember" sandals by Jeffrey Campbell. (I'm kicking