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 I'm sure some heads turned. This is precisely what I've been waiting for for several years. I've always wondered why H&M hasn't opened a store in the Thousand Oaks, Ventura, or Santa Barbara areas, since they don't have a presence north of the San Fernando Valley and south of the Bay area. As an avid H&M shopper, this is the best news I've heard in years, and I'm beyond happy. Now all I need is a Zara to open in the area, and my shopping dreams will be complete.

Above, the caption reads "This fall this city will become truly fashionable"

When I find out the opening date, I'll be counting down the days.

** Edit: Sept 16, 2010 - the H&M store will open at noon on September 23, 2010 at Pacific View Mall in Ventura.

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 spring, woven styles, strappy cutouts, ankle cuffs, and lace-up details are adorning the practical yet chic flat footwear options at Urban Outfitters. For casual days, I'd pair them with a straw hat, cuffed shorts, a floral blouse, and a cross body bag. For a more polished look, I'd style them with gold bangles, cropped trousers, a chambray top, and a mid-size envelope clutch.

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 displays.

It all looked so ideal for warm weather, as if the designers were inspired by some coastal resort town with lots of flowers in bloom. I tried on a floral tunic, made of recycled polyester. I found it to be both comfortable and breezy, although the sizing seemed to run large. Many of the pieces on the racks were slightly transparent, leaving me to sigh in disappointment. Additionally, the voluminous silhouettes are, in my opinion, best suited to taller women, as they can overwhelm petite frames.

Here is the tunic tucked into the floral shorts, which are made of tencel, but feel like cotton. Like the tunic, the shorts ran a bit big. In the end, as much as I loved the prints, I didn't buy anything from the collection, as the transparent nature of the fabrics and the lack of the rosette pieces (which I was most anticipating) were dealbreakers for me.

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 during the recession over the last two years. Retailers such as Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are joining the trend with an increase of outlet stores opening across the US. H&M is also expanding with 240 new stores worldwide this year and Topshop will be bringing its unique style to hipsters nationwide over the next few years.

High-end Retail Trend Highlights

Bloomingdale’s has four outlet stores planned for 2010 and is expected to boost outlet store openings further in 2011. It has open­ings planned for Bergen Town Center (Paramus, NJ), Dolphin Mall (Miami), Potomac Mills (Washington DC area) and Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise, FL).

Nordstrom plans on adding at least 16 new Nordstrom Rack stores in 2010, which boast price points that are about 50 percent lower than those offered in Nordstrom’s traditional department stores. Nordstrom added 12 Rack stores in 2009 (including two in Manhattan) and is actively seeking both urban and suburban sites and has signed a number of deals in big-box space vacated over the past 18 months.

Neiman Marcus is following suit and is expected to put most of its expansion emphasis behind its outlet concept, Last Call, over the next couple of years, and opened three new Last Call stores in 2009.

Saks opened a number of Off 5th stores over the last half of 2009, including new stores in the Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Raleigh/Durham, Reno, San Antonio and the San Francisco Bay markets. One new Off 5th store is planned in the Dallas market and as many as four more stores will likely be added over the course of 2010. Saks plans on rolling out a minimum of five Off 5th stores annually over the next few years. Lord & Taylor is also getting into the mix, with a 15,000 square foot outlet store slated for a mid-February opening in the Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

*Coach plans as many as 20 stores throughout North America in 2010

*Liz Claiborne will be rolling out a new concept, LCNY, over the next 18 months

*Henri Bendel plans to expand in the U.S. in 2010

*Lululemon Athletica plans on accelerating growth in 2010 and plans on as many as 15 new stores in 2010 and 25 stores annually for at least the next few years

*True Religion will reportedly add as many as 25 new stores in the coming year

*Topshop has one confirmed new store in New York slated for 2010 opening, and as many as 15 stores throughout the U.S. are planned over the next four years

*Zara is planning for as many as 10 new U.S. stores in 2010. California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Texas are the focal points for growth in the coming year. Worldwide expansion plans for Zara call for 450 new stores over the next two years

*Urban Outfitters plans on 50 new stores in 2010 and opened about 35 new stores in 2009

*H&M is aggressively expanding and pursuing urban streetfront retail and mall sites. It is currently on track to add about 240 new stores worldwide this year"

As an avid outlet and cheap chic shopper with a strong interest in consumer behavior and shopping trends, I found this information to be both helpful and exciting, particularly the bit about Topshop's expansion plans. I am eagerly anticipating the day when I read the headline "Topshop to open in Los Angeles."

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. Below are five items I'm considering adding to my recently cleaned-out closet for a spring update.

images via topshop.com, forever21.com, nastygal.com, lulus.com, & bebe.com

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 on how to lose weight, get a bikini body, drop those last few pounds, etc. I grew tired of reading about weight loss. Now, I take these magazines with a grain of salt. As someone who has been working out 5 or more days per week for over ten years, it makes me wonder - if I read these magazines, have an active lifestyle, and follow some of their tips, then why do I need to lose weight? Shouldn't I be happy with myself the way I am? Why are women always made to feel that they need to drop a few pounds, tone up, or blast some fat? The majority of women are not going to look like the fitness models in the magazines, and let's face it - real men prefer women with curves.

As much as I ride my bike 40 miles per week, walk 12 miles per week, use the elliptical trainer, and work out with weights, the truth is that I'll never have thin thighs or a perfectly sculpted, flat stomach. I've got bulky calves and hamstrings from running and walking uphill and big, masculine quads from biking. There's little I can do to change that. Skinny modelesque legs will never be mine. I've come to realize that, accept it, and be happy with my body.

Reading Self and Shape used to make me feel like I was doing something wrong, perhaps I was not working out hard enough, or eating enough salads, or not challenging myself enough. Well the truth is that I have a low BMI, healthy cholesterol levels, and a 26" waist. I weigh less than I did in high school or college. I'm proud that I work out, and I'm able to enjoy the occasional unhealthy treat without guilt. It's good, because given my love of peanut butter and graham crackers, my weight fluctuates now and then, but I rarely weigh myself and instead focus on how my clothing feels. I don't want to be a slave to a number on the scale, and if I gain or lose a few pounds, it won't affect my self image. Some of the best advice I've read in fashion magazines, oddly enough, is to focus on what you like about yourself. That's something that Self and Shape should consider instead of barraging readers with tips that make them feel inferior and overweight.

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 styles seem to repeatedly catch my eye. I'm revisiting the idea of wearing socks with heeled sandals this season, and whether they're printed with flowers or in neutral hues such as beige or ivory, socks can add a whimsical touch when worn in a playful, feminine way.

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 enormous pom pom headbands, the oversize safety pins, or the playful vibe of the clothing that makes the models appear so fun-loving.

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 fact that I went out last night and we set the clocks forward, thereby losing a precious hour of sleep, my motivation level for shopping this collection was remarkably high. (I'm not likely to get up this early on a Sunday unless there is fashion, work, or travel involved.) By 10am, I had successfully found what I wanted after visiting four Target stores. Perhaps a bit fanatical, but the handful of other women shopping at the first three stores were equally as determined. Each store that I visited (in a 15 mile radius) had widely varying merchandise, and if anyone is wondering, none of the stores carried either the bikes, chairs, or trench coats.

Without getting into a wordy review, here are my pro and con observations:

Pros:

1. There is a wide selection of prints and items for the home and family, ranging from: notebooks, bikes, stationery, storage boxes, watering cans, swimwear, silk ties, boxer shorts, bras, maxi dresses, headbands, wallets, tote bags, etc.

2. The women's polyester dresses were slightly disappointing (I would've preferred cotton), but on the bright side, the polyester felt more silky/soft than the usual polyester pieces that Target sells.

3. Prices were reasonable, with many items under $35.

4. Women's apparel and intimates run true to size, and there are petites sizes in the women's clothing.

5. Dining and home items were placed on the endcap displays of main aisles, so they were easier to find than I was expecting.

6. The girls' clothing was made of cotton, and the larger sizes would fit petite women, if they are so inclined.

Cons:

1. Merchandise in this line is scattered throughout the stores, instead of in one central area, making it hard to find without walking through most of the store if you're seeking items from different departments. (I was expecting this, and I got plenty of exercise today just walking around four stores, which might actually be an upside.)

2. Signage and promotional visuals weren't posted in all of the stores, making it less visible to shoppers.

3. The rain boots, mugs, dining accessories, gardening items, and teapots were very limited in quantity. (One store only had five mugs in each print, and one of each size in the women's and girls' rain boots.)

4. Target employees were largely clueless about this collection and although they were helpful, they clearly weren't trained to know much about Liberty of London's merchandise or what they had in stock.

5. Once again, ebayers have bought in bulk and hiked up the prices for everyone else.

Below, photos of the men's and women's apparel and intimates

Below, what I hauled home for myself

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 ways to personalize and update an outfit for the new season. Below are some of my favorite accessories that I've photographed recently.

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 percentage of proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders. Plus: be styled by Jodi herself! Here are the complete details:

Who: New York Designer JODI ARNOLD
What: Trunk Show & Benefit for Doctors Without Borders
Where: Thompson Beverly Hills, 9360 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
When: Saturday, March 20, 12pm–4pm

RSVP: rsvpla@jodiarnoldnyc.com

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 has led to more opportunties than I ever expected.

Many thanks go out to Matt Katz, who asked me to write this short piece on spring trends for Ventana, a monthly lifestyle magazine based in Ventura County. It is a tremendous honor for me to be a part of the Fashion + Style issue, and when I picked up the magazine today while eating lunch as a local pizza place, it made my day.

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 striped knit, I was unable to find a single piece from the collection that I loved enough to purchase. Two of the dresses that I liked (the pink and black striped one and the striped body-con one in the middle of the first photo), were ridiculously and unflatteringly long. The footwear, bangles, and berets were in full supply, leading me to believe that it wasn't the price points that were keeping shoppers from getting a piece of Rykiel at a lower price. Perhaps shoppers are growing weary of these designer collaborations, and are less likely to open their wallets than they were a few years ago when such designer/mass market collections were more of a novelty.

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 mountain bike and traded up for a lighter, faster hybrid - a Trek 7.3fx. As much as I love and adore my Trek, I wanted something with better suspension and cuter styling, so I bought a sky blue Schwinn hybrid for joyriding at the beach, where I can enjoy a smoother, slower ride. I currently alternate between my two bikes depending on where and how long I'm riding. While I grew up riding cruisers like the Liberty of London for Target bike, disappointment sank in when I took a closer look at the photo and saw that it was indeed a cruiser, and not a hybrid like I was hoping. As much as I ride, I live in a hilly area, so a cruiser is impractical and ill-suited to my riding habits. (I need multiple gears and a bike under 25 lbs!) At this point, I'm even considering trading up from a hybrid to a pricier, lighter road bike so I can ride 40 miles per day instead of 40 miles per week. In any case, I'll still be admiring (but not buying) the gorgeous and girly floral printed cruiser, fenders and all.

above, Liberty of London for Target floral-printed cruiser and the awesome Trek 7.3fx hybrid

images via target.com and trek.com

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 existence of bloggers and their opinions, or their powerful impact on consumers.

Admittedly, I succumbed to my curiosity, staying close to my computer last night for the midnight arrival of the collection on Target's website. It became available at precisely 12:07am PST. As I browsed the pieces online, I decided that nothing was worth purchasing, as I found it bland, boring, cheap-looking, and largely uninspiring. In an effort to give the line a second chance, however, I inspected the goods in person this afternoon, only to find groups of wide-eyed shoppers eyeing and admiring the sleeveless tees and the quilted leather moto jacket. Not surprisingly, my store sold out of the navy/white striped anchor tee. It appeared that the trench coat, safari jacket, tattoo leggings, shirts with shrugs, and shirtdresses were not in stock either. Here is how the racks looked around 12:30, minus the interested shoppers and the expected JPG for Target signage and promotional visuals that were oddly missing and that usually accompany these Designer Collaborations.

I decided to forgo trying anything on, as I didn't see anything that appealed to me. The tattoo printed top, swimwear and transparent halter dress looked so cheap that I had to cringe. As I stroked the yellow halter dress, I noted that the nylon fabric felt like a deflated balloon - not something I'd want on a day dress. The length on the halter dresses was so long I think it would only flatter a woman of six feet. I know it's an esteemed designer like Jean Paul Gaultier, but cheap, slippery polyester tops (like the blue cut-out shoulder top or the necklace tank tops) have no room in my closet. On the bright side, I'm awaiting the Liberty of London pieces next weekend, since nothing brightens my day quite like a colorful floral print from the Brits.

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 in me a new desire to wear an abstract print skirt with a gauzy blouse, printed scarf, cropped trench, woven belt, and straw hat. I imagine the look to capture some sort of eclectic mix of textures and fabrics for that whole world traveler/modern bohemian vibe. Below are some of my sources for inspiration with abstract prints.