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 independent designer talent, which runs this Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd. You can find out all the details at www.uniquelosangeles.com - and be sure to check out Karin Collins' gorgeous spoon pendant designs at SpoonFedArt.com.

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 of the trends, I'll just keep it simple and list them in a way that's concise and easy to read. As I browsed the store and chatted with the girls who run it, I couldn't help but notice their enthusiasm for fashion. These ladies are some of Santa Barbara's best-dressed residents and when it comes to trends, they really know their stuff. My favorite pieces in the store were the skin-baring tie-back tanks, the perforated boots, and the YSL-esque cage heels. If money were no object, I would've easily walked out with bags and bags of merchandise, however, with a trip to NYC around the corner, I've been trying to spend less in anticipation of the shopping I plan on doing in Soho. (Coincidentally, LF has a location in Soho, so I'll have to check it out.)

Here's a summary of LF's spring/summer '09 trends:

• oversize blazers with contrast rolled cuffs
• denim boyfriend shorts (they recommend going up one size for the proper slouchy fit)
• boyfriend jeans with removable suspenders
• cropped, studded boyfriend jeans
• sleeveless boyfriend blazers
• graphic print tees
• back-baring tie-back tank tops (these have a sexy T-silhouette in back)
• gladiator sandals
• perforated boots
• combat boots (to be worn with slouchy socks)
• bowler and fedora hats worn '80s-style (tilted back on the head)
• bib necklaces
• body chains (worn over the shoulder)
• vintage lace necklaces
• top hats and boater hats
• striped, floral, gingham, and lace dresses
• chambray tops
• fringe vests
• mixing different types of denim (eg. white with blue or faded with acid-washed)
• skinny studded belts
• large belt buckles with glossy stones
• crop tops (to be worn with high-waisted shorts)
• reworked vintage shirts
• shredded denim shorts with skinny chains (attached within the shredded parts)
• Madonna-esque bra-front dresses
• multi-colored fringe scarves
• laser-cut fringe tops
• 2-fer vest+top combos
• shoes embellished with ruffles and zippers

To better illustrate, here are some store window photos.

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 the horizontal lines of the straps visually cuts off the legs, making them look shorter. This season, height-boosting platforms and wedges are widely available, and their chunkiness offers extra height with less discomfort.

Make it monochromatic. Although it may be boring, wearing one color from head to toe can give the illusion of height. It elongates the body and will also give you a streamlined look.

Don't be a slouch. Remember when your mom (or teacher) told you to stand or sit up straight? Well it's not only good for your posture, it can make you appear instantly taller, too. Not to mention that you'll also look more confident.

The right length. Although hemline lengths vary by season and often reflect current trends, finding the most flattering length for you can do wonders. High waisted styles and empire waistlines can visually elongate the body, as can shorter hemlines for those with shorter legs who don't mind showing some skin. I personally tend to avoid anything that hits at mid calf or slightly below the knee, as I do not want to draw attention to the widest part of my calves. When it comes to trousers and wide leg jeans, my favorite length is about 1/4" above the ground, so it skims the back of my shoes and makes my legs appear longer, especially if I'm wearing heels.

Invest in vertiginous heels. Not only are they de rigueur this season, they can make you as much as 6" taller. Slip on a pair of heels and they instantly change your posture and body language. After some experimenting, I've generally found that heels over 4.5" are difficult for me to comfortably walk in. However, if a shoe has a 4" heel with a 1" platform, it's equal to a 3" heel, which makes a difference in the comfort factor and might be more practical for days when I'm on my feet. When it comes to heel height, it's always a personal preference, but my general opinion is to go as high as you can, knowing your limits and taking practicality and comfort into consideration.

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 F21), I was told the store will be opening in June.

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 come to develop some favorites. Sometimes a fast fashion fix is just what my wardrobe needs to stay updated. So here it goes...

Feel free to share your own personal favorites.

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 the pieces were not available in sizes small through large, leaving only extra smalls and extra larges. For prospective shoppers who are wondering about sizing, the extra small tees looked like they were cut narrow and ran smaller than the GO International pieces tend to be. Likewise, the swimwear and short shorts also run small.

As you can tell from the photos, the pickings were slim and far from tidy. If anyone is interested in shopping the line and it's not available at a store near you (it's only in 250 stores, like the McQ collection), I recommend checking out the website asap for optimal selection. In addition, I've found that organic fabrics shrink more than non-organic, so I'd advise ordering up a size to be safe and to account for the shrinkage. When I washed and dried three of my Rogan for Target tops last year, to my dismay, they each seemed to shrink about two whole sizes.

This time around there won't be an in-depth review or any fitting room photos, as there was so little left to choose from that I skipped the dressing room. This time around, I only bought two items - the pieced black/gray tank top and the white pelican print tee. I'd like to get my hands on the long gray tunic/tee, which reminds me of the one from the Rogan for Target collection. It would work well as a comfy beach cover up, as a tunic worn with leggings, or even as a dress with a woven belt and some fun accessories.

Overall, while I wasn't excited about the basic designs, I thought they'd appeal to a wide variety of shoppers due to their low prices, their simplicity, and the organic fabrics. I did like the color palette of neutrals punctuated with blues and pinks. Many of the pieces incorporate an element of nature with the animal prints and graphics, giving them a casual, summery vibe. I was pleased to see prices under $45, women's tops under $20, and the liberal use of comfortable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and silk. It would have been great to see a pair of jeans or denim shorts in the women's line, though!

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. Although some of my readers may not be commenting, I certainly appreciate the loyalty and I'm happy to be part of a growing community of people who share my love of fashion. It's opened up doors for me, given me access to valuable information, and inspired me to improve my writing, photography, and graphic design skills. To show my appreciation, I dedicate this photo to those of you who read regularly. It's just a quick note from my favorite pal Russell...

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 editorials with pieces under the $50 price point. (Do fashion magazine editors even make enough to afford most of the things they feature? I have always wondered and would love to know, but I tend to think they don't.)

I've been so spoiled by the low prices at fast fashion chains, that now I will rarely spend more than $45 on a dress. I've become so accustomed to buying inexpensive items that I can rarely imagine spending 3 or 4 digits on something that I'll get tired of wearing after a few weeks. Yes, the quality at cheap chic stores leaves something to be desired, but I tire easily of certain pieces and yearn for new things. Cheap chic apparel feeds my love of change and trends, and does not leave me feeling guilty for spending too much when I decide to donate the things I'm done with (even when I factor in cost per wear).

Lately, publications such as Elle, People Style Watch, and Lucky have adapted their spreads to show bargain and budget-friendly finds. I'd like to see more of these. After reading one too many articles about how to shop your own closet this season, I've come to the realization that fashion magazines are in business to constantly promote new items, so if they advocate shopping your own closet, it's contradictory to their objective. (I do appreciate these articles, but they're becoming redundant and mundane.) Magazines have to give readers a reason to buy the products in their pages, so enough with the "shop your own closet articles." If I were going to reduce my shopping or even stop shopping and resort to shopping my own closet, then I would not tempt myself by reading the dozens of fashion magazines that I do. So how about more affordable options, fewer articles about shopping your own closet, and more articles about how/where to shop for great deals, how to host clothing swaps, and other recession-friendly ideas?

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 strapless dresses, tie-dye prints, and featherweight tunics to tribal-inspired skirts, chunky jewelry, and fringed scarves. I was intrigued by the modern take on tie-dye with the strapless dress (in the 3rd photo from the top), and after some debate, went back to the store for it. It struck me as something Topshop might sell. (As a side note, if Topshop expands to the West Coast, it'll probably keep Forever 21 on its toes.) The full skirt shape is both flirty and forgiving, and there are endless layering possibilities for making this dress appropriate for both day and night.

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 information about the company- only some mixed shopping reviews, as well as job listings.

With the recent expansion and renovation of The Oaks mall, I was secretly pining for a new H&M store, as there seems to be space for one. For now though, I'll quietly browse Love Culture's racks of boho tunics, stretchy sublimation tees, flirty dresses, heavily distressed denim, and knit bandage dresses that so closely resemble what Bebe was selling two seasons ago. (For once, I actually felt too old for most of the offerings.) I would've left the store empty-handed, save for one piece that caught my eye - a black Mexican-inspired peasant dress. It may have been the only cotton dress in a store bursting with synthetic apparel, and its colorful embroidery appealed to my casual summer-y sensibility. Its breezy silhouette begged to be reigned in with a belt and worn over leggings.

Wearing: knit beret, handbag, and striped belt - Target, dress - Love Culture ($27), leggings - Zara, woven wedges - Charlotte Russe

Here are Love Culture's store windows

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 could double as shawls.

Then there was the manner in which these scarves were styled. While I tend to tuck my scarf into my jacket to keep it close to my neck, these women used their scarves as focal points. They'd wear them draped in a triangular shape on top of their jackets and coats. Seeing this over the course of a few hours of people watching incited some fascination in my trend-obsessed mind, and I decided to hunt down my own scarf to wear in such a way.

As luck would have it, H&M had oversize scarves galore, and since Stockholm is H&M central, I found the ideal version with little effort. At first I passed on a few versions, as they weren't thick or chunky enough. Then there it was, the perfect one - ivory in color, loosely knitted, and with plenty of fringe. It looked like something grandma would knit, and I envisioned myself wearing it half a dozen different ways, all of which would comfort me from the chill of a cold afternoon.

Wearing: paintbrush printed top - Forever 21, mesh tank and leggings - American Apparel, scarf and jacket - H&M, boots - Frye

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 sagging economy and resulting changes in consumer behavior. Per the email:

"As the economy slows, many savvy shoppers are cutting corners at their favorite department stores in favor of sales racks. In such financially lean times, it is no wonder everyone loves to brag about that “great deal” they got the other day while shopping.

According to Janet Wood, style expert and founder of Fashion Fit Formula, “a sale is a retail store’s way of flirting with you. They are saying to you, ‘come into the store and see the bargains!’ It is a very temping thing to do, especially when you are trying to supplement your wardrobe.”

Is It Really a Sale?
Many times the higher end stores bring in sale clothing that is not up to the quality of their non-sale items. According to Janet, “they are loss-leaders. Clothing sold at almost no profit to attract buyers into the location where they will then see the high profit clothing.”

This is how it works: the sale garment isn’t as nice as their other merchandise but its cost while lower, isn’t that much lower. Just a few steps away is a rack with obviously better quality clothing and while the price is higher, it’s not that much higher. The buyer rationalizes for just $30 to $40 more, I can get this outfit and it looks so much more expensive. That’s true, but you have just blown your clothing budget.

Are they still a bargain? Sometimes yes, but most often they are not.
Check the quality of the fabric. Is the weave tight or loose?
Look at the zipper; are there any puckers in the seams holding it in place? Does the bottom of the zipper area buckle?
Also make sure to check any stress seams (areas where the clothing will have additional wear). They are usually sleeves and front and back seams on pants, shorts or capris.

Where Can I Find a “True Bargain”?
According to Janet, true bargains can be found as the seasons change and unsold items are reduced in cost. Evaluate the items you may choose to purchase carefully.

Is it a basic staple of your wardrobe?
Do you have the necessary accessories to make this new blend of colors work?
Is this color or style going to be “out” in a year?

Janet says, “unless your lifestyle revolves around dressing in evening clothing and going out frequently, only purchase dressy clothes when necessary. It’s important to think about cost per wearing. If you blow your budget on a “must have outfit” that you only wear once – it was very expensive indeed.” A far better choice would be to invest that money in an article of clothing that you will wear twenty times a season. Evening separates have made it possible to significantly reduce the cost of this look by adding a new top and wearing with evening pants or long skirt.

To battle the long-known dilemma of “it doesn’t fit quite right, but it’s on sale!” Janet invented the Fashion Fit Formula, which is a mathematical system based on 12 vertical measurements of a woman’s body. Once your personal measurements have been entered into the Fashion Fit Formula, you get a specific plan detailing how to tailor your existing wardrobe to be the most flattering on your unique body. Janet says that the Fashion Fit Formula helps women avoid “closet guilt” and can turn those sale items you never wear into your next great outfit."

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 leggings I've recently acquired, the skirt's dainty print is the perfect antidote to my recent affinity for ensembles consisting of printed or shiny leggings with oversize tees.

Wearing: top, vest, and skirt - H&M, watch - Target, shoes - Shiekh

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 Yurika Nakazono (Marie Saeki PR). I don't know about you, but I'm loving the bright colors and bold prints, and I've got my eye on the studded belt and the bright blue blazer.

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 Balmain-worshipping fashion blogger. Thanks to the wonderful team over at solestruck.com these coveted Jeffrey Campbell "Mel" sandals are now mine, and I'm both grateful and thrilled. They're unbelievably comfortable and sturdily constructed. I can't wait to take them for a spin on the dance floor. If you want a pair, you better act quickly, as I heard that they're selling out fast.

Wearing: tee - Fruit of the Loom, one-shoulder dress - Target, leggings - Silence + Noise at Urban Outfitters, shoes - Jeffrey Campbell at solestruck.com

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 bright florals. As a loyal reader of nitro:licious, I'm often tempted by the sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks into upcoming H&M collections. The one item on my must-have list for late spring is the Stella McCartney-inspired blazer seen here. It's part power suit, part Miami Vice, and the feminine color contrasts chicly against the masculine silhouette. I can't wait to pair it with cuffed shorts, cotton leggings, or over a strapless dress. Here's a look at H&M's recent window displays.