H&M Online Shopping in the U.S. [fill those carts]

This is big. I'm officially back online, and I had to share the news that H&M (one of my favorite affordable fast fashion shops) now lets us Americans shop online. Which means we can find the latest and the greatest trends from them without waiting in long dressing room lines,  digging through messy piles of stuff, or even having to get on the crowded bus to head to the mall.  pretty exciting. 

It's been quite a while since I've made it to one of their downtown shops (I try to avoid busy shopping areas during tourist season) but with the fall lines coming in, I'm likely going to try it out soon. I'll report back.

happy shopping! 

I'm back (kinda)

Sorry for the absence.  Style-Edition isn't gone forever, just been distracted by the stunning summer we're having here in SF.... 

Be Back Soon....

Caught up with work and other things... I'm not gone, but will be quiet for a few weeks...

Joe Fresh at JCPenney - Worth a look!

If you're not from Canada or haven't shopped in NY recently,  you may not be familiar with Joe Fresh,  but it's a color addict's best keep secret!  I have happily purchased a couple of their bright colored 100% silk blouses (same quality as J.Crew and Equipment)  and now, they're at JCPenney, so I had to share.  I haven't seen the JCPenney product in person, but since the prices are the same as the NY stores, my guess is that they are the same quality.   I may have to pick up one of the short-sleeve silk blouses. 

The colorful Joe Fresh store in NYC

here are my favorite Joe Fresh at JCP picks:

Happy Friday in Black and White

graphic black and white

Designer Spotlight: Anne Hepfer's Beachy Lovelyness

I recently spotted a snapshot of one of Anne Hepfer's rooms and I had to share. Her designs are the perfect balance of classic-preppy with just a little bit of modern flair. 

The perfect mix of rustic cabin and modern white+navy.

I love the pop of bright green in the back of these bookcases!  Plus, Navy, white and green might be my favorite color combo.

A super luxurious white and navy dining room, with just a little bit of beachy flair.

This is actually how my beachfront patio already looks, but sometimes my massive yacht blocks the view. hah. but seriously - there's even a diving board?!  #dreamdeck

Deal Hunting: Early Spring Buys from Forever 21

The stores are starting to fill up with my favorite spring colors, but it's easy to break the bank when you get excited about the new season.  Luckily, trusty Forever 21 is here to save the day with some affordable spring pieces! Here are a few that I think will make the transition to spring easier.

From left to right:

Madras plaid button down ($17.80) – Plaid works year round!  The perfect transitional top mixes just enough spring color with some soft basics

Mint lacquered chain link necklace ($7.80) – The perfect spring color in a necklace you can throw on with almost anything

Coral cat eye sunglasses ($5.80) – Every lady needs an oversized pair of sunnies and this coral color is just unique enough to give some ‘you don’t know what’s behind these shades’ intrigue

Mint and white polka dot cardigan ($19) – The polka dots add a bit of whimsy to the super-preppy basic.

Coral (faux) suede pumps ($29) – Fun colored pumps that are wearable for work or play.   Check out the mint and blue color options, too! (I could wear all of them!)

White skinny jeans ($25) – I wear white jeans year round, but they look especially sharp with spring colors.

White crochet trim short sleeve dress ($29) – This easy dress works all spring-to-summer long, just loose enough for that nonchalant vibe, but just stylish enough to catch peoples eyes

 Happy spring shopping!

Dresses I Wish I Saw at the 2013 Oscars

I don't know what it was, but I found this year's Oscars sort of a snore fest - including the fashion!  I didn't like much of what I saw, so I decided to round up the Fall 13 runway dresses I wish I had seen on some of the attendees this year.

Ellie Saab peach and lace (Fall 2013 RTW)  - the color makes this just unique enough! 

Zac Posen (Fall 2013 RTW) - this dress would be stunning on any star, but I think it would have been a way prettier option for Nicole Kidman than her stiff sequin number.

Carolina Herrera (Fall 13) - I adore this dress! Obviously I'm a fan of red, but I think this is especially beautiful and the bow makes it just a bit whimsical.

I think Jennifer Lawrence would have really benefited from a softer style, and this Reem Acra gown would have been great on her.

Jenny Packham is the queen of red-carpet ready gowns, but this one stood out to me in this fall season because I love the old school holywood vibe of this off-the-shoulder neckline.

Wearing Pink

Happy Valentines Day! 

I love any excuse to bring out the hot pink, so I figured I'd share some pretty pictures of  festive attire.  Maybe next time I have a ball to go to, I could throw one of these on? 

Did you see this gown on the Oscar de la Renta runway?  If you would have said to me hot pink + brocade, I'd have said no-way - but somehow this works!

This is one of those pictures I found on pinterest... a dream world where we all prance around in hot-pink ball gowns

Ms. Sterling- Style rocking another hot pink number

Plunging neckline - did you notice the bedazzlement is actually studs?

J.Crew showing us pink on pink.

SJP 

California cool in another killer hot-pink Maxi from Jenni Kayne spring 13.

Kate Spade fall 13 looks were pretty over the top this - hello giant pink bow!

DVF also pulled out some hot pink for Fall 13

Heidi Merrick on How to Get Dressed - Fall 2013 Video

In the midst of Fall 2013 fashion week,  Heidi Merrick's video feels like a breath of fresh air!  I love how easy this model makes it seem to put together the effortless California-chic looks from the collection (as she literally gets dressed in front of you)

Heidi Merrick - Fall 2013

Grammy's Fashion: My Favorites

After the 'dress code' warning, I was surprised that there wasn't more dramatic fashion at this year's Grammys.   Not much that caught my eye,  but I had to share my two favorites. The first one happens to be another red dress, it's Rihanna in Alaia (it's hard to see an Alaia red dress without thinking of the Clueless mugging scene - anyone with me here?)    

Rihanna in red Alaia at the 2013 Grammys

I love RiRi's edgy style, but it's nice to see her just simple and pretty, too!

My second favorite dress was miss Solange Knowles.   (Her style tends to be more my speed than Bey's.)  I love this color green!

Solange Knowles in green sequins at the 2013 Grammys

What did you think?  Any fashion that caught your eye?

Nuetral Territory

I love color. but I'm currently craving a bit of a palette cleanser.   It would be a challenge for me to keep color out of a room, but I sometimes love the way that a totally neutral (white, beige, brown and black) room can look!

Don't you just want to jump into this comfy looking off-white sofa?

A stunning pair of leather chairs really warm up this room.

A few more  modern elements make this white grounded room feel up to date, but still like a breath of fresh air.

Another white sofa, but this one brought to life with beautiful dark wood floors.

I love the way they used a wall of mirrors to reflect back the big windows.

A white leather chesterfield sofa could go bad really fast - but this modern room totally works.

Another clever use of mirrors (to liven up a white TV wall)

A bit of a worldly take on a similar neutral palette.

The perfect little corner to curl up in with a book.

Golden Globes Fashion Recap - Ladies in Red

I must confess that I was most compelled to watch the Golden Globes this year to see my gals TIna and Amy. But, the fashion is a nice bonus. This year the red carpet seemed to be dominated by red, orange and white dresses.  Some of my favorites being in the red territories.   

Zooey Deschanel was stunning in this classic red Oscar de la Renta ball gown. 

Jennifer Lawrence wore a really similar coral/red dress by Dior.  The black belt did a nice job of accentuating her tiny waist.

Marion Cotillard is stunning and I think this understated orange/red dress was a cute, understated choice. 

Jennifer Garner wore another totally classic silhouette in a wine colored beaded Vivienne Westwood.  

In my favorite color, I think Jessica Alba killed it.  The coral color is perfect with her amazingly perfect (tan) skin. 

Anchor Sweaters: Have Your Pick

I've made my penchant for all things nautical pretty clear.  So, believe me, I was stoked to see a totally nautical anchor print sweater from Joie recently. But, the price was high enough ward me off.  However, don't you worry my little anchor-loving friends -- there seems to be a current abundance of anchor sweaters (at all price points) available.  Have your pick from below!

*PS- which one should I get?! Want. Them. All.

Roundup of Nautical Sweaters

The Perfect Gym Bag to Help You Keep Those New Years Resolutions

What's better inspiration to go to the gym, than a cute new bag? (OK, I can think of a lot of things) but if you're like me and you end up carrying your gym stuff with you to and from work, it helps to have a good looking bag to tote it in.

1 - PUMA "shine" barrel duffel bag ($55) - A fun color adds some whimsy, but this bag still has all the details you need for an everyday bag including lot's of pockets and an over-the-shoulder handle

2 - Lug Life cartwheel gym bag ($95) - A great basic bag that will last years.  With lots of pockets and a spot for your yoga mat,  this is perfect for the pragmatist.

3 - Vera Bradley Small Duffel in Jazzy Blooms ($69) - Vera Bradley's quilted bags are nice and lightweight and this colorful floral pattern ensures your gym bag will stand out from the crowd.

4 - Netpack lightweight nylon gym tote in turquoise (just $24.99) - A great color and a great deal - can't beat that!

5 - J.Crew white and blue canvas overnight bag ($36) - I love this totally basic canvas duffel bag!

6 - Blue & white striped duffel bag ($26) - The railroad stripes give this a bit of a nautical vibe but it still works as a basic.

7 - Tommy Hilfiger navy blue canvas travel tote with red stripes ($48) - A totally preppy canvas bag, but lined with nylon so it won't suck up that gym smell.

8  - Herschel Supply Co. "Sutton"  small denim duffel bag ($80) - An old school bag in a fun denim fabrication.   Just like your jeans, this will match with everything!

Wantful Review - A New Way to Give

Forgot someone on your list?  It's not too late!

I'll preface this post with one fact: I'm against giving gift cards.  It's not that it isn't great to receive some extra spending cash  as a gift,  but as a giver, I think they're super impersonal and  you're also telling someone exactly how much you think they're worth.   I think a more personal or creative gift will always have a bigger impact.   Enter: Wantful.   Wantful is a new kind of gift giving that let's you straddle between the world of "i have no idea what to get this person" and "she gave me the most awesome gift this year."  
Here's how it works: Instead of choosing just one gift for someone  you create a custom "catalog"  of things for them to choose from.

First, you tell Wantful a little bit about them.

Wantful intro screen.

Then,  you give Wantful some info about what the person likes.

And, finally, you select items from the suggested products  for a completely customized catalog.   Then the gift recipient recieves a beautiful personalized catalog (without prices) and they get to choose the  gift that they're most excited about! 

Wantful personalized catalog

If you're stuck on gift ideas, I think Wantful is a great option!   Has anybody else used it?  I'd love to hear!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

Hope your season is warm and bright!

Gift Guides!

If you're shopping online for gifts this year, this is the last week to get items shipped without paying for rush shipments.   Unsure what to get?  Check out  the Style-Edition gift guides!

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - FOR GUYS

Gift ideas for the men in your life!  Husbands, dad's, boyfriends, and brothers can be the hardest people to shop for!  Here are some great ideas for gifts for men.

FOR THE GUYS...

GIFT GUIDES FOR GIRLFRIENDS

Looking for the perfect gift for lady friends?  This gift guide has suggestions for all types of ladies in your life! Check out my gift guide for the home-body,  the city girl, and the girly girl!  You're sure to find something for everyone!

HOMBODIES

CITY GIRLS

GIRLY GIRLS

Easy Holiday Table Decor Inspiration

You've got your  holiday outfit, now it's time for decor.   In the midst of a million holiday parties, sometimes a nice intimate dinner party can feel even more special.  Especially with the festive holiday decor!  Here is some great inspiration for totally affordable holiday table decor.

I love the twist here with turqouise! It feels festive, but totally fresh and unique!

This pretty rustic table is actually really basic. Just some red and burlap ribbon and some greenery. Take the ribbons off the topiaries and they'll work year-round.

This desert buffet is proof that sticking to white can have just as much impact as the brightest colors.

Another easy rustic look! All this host did was use some afforable wreaths as candle holders for some basic white candles.

Ah what a little ribbon can do. Include your chairs in the decor with some ribbon and a few sprigs of greenery!

Yes, YOU Can Wear a Novelty Sweater

It's the season of the "ugly Christmas sweater"  but there's a new "ugly" sweater trend in town (and it's kind of fun) -- trendy adult women have been sporting all kinds of "novelty" sweaters.

How cute (and sophisticated) did Kate Bosworth look in her owl sweater at fashion week?

Perhaps spruce up a cat-lady sweater with a sequin skirt and some casual shoes?

J.Crew styled their "french hen" sweater with some basics for a cute, but totally adult look

The Glamorai looks stunning in a cat sweater and a flowy skirt.

I love how Kendi layered this silly sweater with a gingham shirt.

Speaking of layering critter sweaters with gingham, I love Blair's rainy day look!

So, what do you think?  Are you willing to give a critter sweater a try?  How about a heart print?  Maybe it's a trend that will end up in the Goodwill pile next year, but if you want to give a fun print a try, here are some cute options!

Novelty Sweaters