STYLEnosh

ANOTHER CELEBRITY TURNED DESIGNER COLLECTION: LC LAUREN CONRAD

The Hills was back in action last night and though Lauren Conrad has left the show for the next stage of her life, I can't consider The Hills without thinking about LC. Her latest endeavor, in addition to writing novels, is a collection sold exclusively at Kohl's. Click here to see what's left. I actually missed out on some the highlights of this line because of my cavalier approach to most celebrity attempts at designing. I mean seriously, there's like a new actress/turned designer every week. At least Lauren has studied fashion. And I like her selection at Kohl's. It's fresh and fun for spring at a moderate price point. And since it is at Kohl's, it will go on sale often. The only challenge I see is actually finding your size.

I went to the store to check it out for myself. The tops are the star of the line. They are soft, pretty, and quite wearable, even for those of us over 25. Beware, they're cut big. I held up an XS next to me and it resembled a mini dress. But it was still quite cute. I would suggest adding a belt on top of the shirt if you want to create a waistline.

Here are the items from the collection that I really like and can easily see assimilating into my wardrobe. Oh, and don't forget to check the clearance rack because there are some gems hiding there too.

  Images: Kohls.com

MACY'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE STARTS TODAY

So, I'm walking through the mall yesterday. In search of something specific. Clothes that fit! I couldn't take one of more day of over-sized clothing so I set out on a quest for shorts, skirts, and a pair of jeans wouldn't hurt. A quick jaunt through Macy's and didn't find any bottoms that would suit my wardrobe needs. But I fell in love with this cropped in the front, long in the back shirt by American Rag. (Note: This fashionable line is sold at Macy's in the juniors department. I know the juniors section can be daunting with the loud music and even louder teens but these clothes are at least worth a peek.)

The online picture does nothing for this shirt. In person, it gives a vintage feel with its longer in the back style. I was going to leave it behind but there was only one XS on the rack. I kept envisioning it with a pencil skirt or dressy shorts and my new spring IT shoes. I had to have it!

Once at the counter, I asked the salesperson if there was going to be a One Day Sale or something coming tomorrow because I know Macy's has a sale every week. And sure enough, she said, "Friends and family starts tomorrow." And then she handed me a savings pass, took 25% off of my $21 clearance shirt, and told me I could pick up tomorrow. And that's why it pays to inquire.

Click here to grab your on savings pass. The online version calls it the Mother's Day Sale and offers 15% or 10% off. The in-store pass is 25% off, so ask for one. I'm sure your local Macy's will be happy to give it to you.

Image: macys.com

WHAT TO WEAR IN SPRING 2010

SPRING 2010 WARDROBE STRATEGY

It's spring, so the usual suspects tend to crop up on our fashion radar. Color, polka dots, prints, ruffles. It's all here again this year. And when I look back on the past three (3) springs, my recommendations look awfully similar. (See Spring 2009, 2008, and 2007.)

So this year, I'm not focusing on any one trend for the season of warmer weather. Instead, my goal is to challenge myself to be more creative and interesting with one key item. The idea is to pick one thing, a jacket, shirt, handbag, etc, that you absolutely love; and allow it to become the center of your spring wardrobe. I'm guessing it will minimize the risk of buying every trend or getting sucked into the vortex of endless, weekly sales. Think of it as a wonderful way to push yourself into completely utilizing one key wardrobe staple. And here's my spring 2010 pick.

Upon first glance, these piercing bright shoes may look a little unassuming. But watch them pop when you actually put them on! I purchased this Unisa pumps at DSW for around $37 on clearance. And I quickly decided that these moderate heels will be my key staple for the season. I know some of you are thinking that the color limits how this shoe can be worn. Are you thinking jeans and white and black shirts? I'm sure I'll wear them that way too. However, I think the fun comes from seeing how many interesting ways you can really wear look. The goal? Don't do what everyone else would do.

Here are some ideas I'm throwing around for my spring 2020 key wardrobe pick.

Option 1  Crinkle khaki skirt paired with a royal blue tank. Easy and colorful.

Option 2  Same skirt paired with a geometric print cardigan. Print +color= interesting.

Option 3  A purple iridescent dress with gold accessories. Unusual colors in classic shapes makes this look work. And it's kind of fun too.

IS GREEN FASHION WORTH THE FUSS?

Happy 40th birthday Earth Day!

Okay, guilty as charged. I'm a tree hugger. I care about waste and consumption. I carry my own bags when I shop, whether I'm at the grocery store or the mall. I recycle old clothing throughout the year at my local thrift stores. Overall I think I'm pretty decent when it comes to being eco-conscious. But the one area I haven't focused any energy too is eco fashion.

In theory, I'm all for green or ethical fashion. But I can't say that I actually seek it out when I'm ready to spend my money on clothes. This earth day, I'm wondering why that is. I can't be the only one. Maybe we steer clear of ethical fashion because we don't know what it means and honestly, it just sounds a little too granola for fashionistas, right?

Maybe it's time to take a fresh look at eco fashion. Let's find out if green fashion is really worth fuss.

A Closer Look

First, check out Global Action Through Fashion for a wonderfully straight-forward definition of the term ethical fashion. It sounds reasonable to me. We're becoming more aware of what we put in the body. Shouldn't we apply that consciousness to what we put on it? So where can you find these world changing frocks without blowing an entire paycheck?

A quick search led me to numerous eco-friendly sites that focus on sustainable clothing. I perused The Alternative Consumer first. If you're not interested in sussing out new eco based lines on your own, visit The Alternative Consumer blog and they'll introduce you to upcoming clothing, shoe, and accessory designers. This site led me to Stewart+Brown. I love these clothes! This ethical fashion line duo officially has my attention. Here are a few offerings from their collection but I say, take a break and see all of it. I'm enamored with its simplicity and femininity. If I was wearing one of these dresses, I would feel responsible and pretty.
 

Images: stewart+brown.com

Conclusion

I think this concept of green fashion is starting to sink into my brain. If you care about how your clothes are produced, how the workers who made them are treated, and whether or not your lovely new dress is a carrier of harsh chemicals, you might want to start paying more attention to what you wear. And when that happens, we'll start to see more ethical fashion options in our boutiques, stores, and malls.

Flower image: morguefile.com

ZAC POSEN FOR TARGET: AVAILABLE APRIL 25TH

So the latest Go International collection for Target hits stores on Sunday. And this time, the line comes from fashion darling, Zac Posen. I have been a fan of his work for quite sometime. And now his creative vision is crashing into Target this weekend. You can view the looks here. I love the color playing off of the traditional black pants and jackets. However, I don't see myself purchasing any of it. While it is cute, it's a little too playful for my current wardrobe needs. I envision the college crowd going ga ga over ZP for Target.

What do you think about the latest designer for less collection at Target?

THIS WEEK'S SALES - TAX EDITION

 

Here are a couple of stores having tax day themed sales. You will also find an additional 25% off sale items at Ann Taylor and 15% off regular and sale items at Lord & Taylor too.

Banana Republic  Take 25% off all full priced items online and in-store. There's free shipping too. Discount good through Sunday, April 18th. Use promo code TAXBREAK25.

The Limited  In a twist on the coupon, The Limited is giving out $10 in Fashion Cash today only, to be used in-store through Sunday, April 18th. Click here for locations. Also take 30% off regular priced tops online. Prices shown reflect the discount.

ORGANIZE YOUR JEWELRY, FINALLY!

Recently one of my faithful readers, asked what she should do to tackle her jewelry collection. So thanks Karla K. for asking that excellent question. Here are my thoughts on jewelry storage.

I'm a visual person. Which basically means, if I can't see it, it doesn't exist. This personality trait led me to choose a jewelry storage option that catered to my need to see my crap. The behind the door organizer completely works for me. The Container Store has these and plenty of options like the jewelry tray pictured here too. The tray is on sale for $6.99.

Or if you want something more formal, consider a jewelry armoire. The one pictured above is from Wal-mart for $79. Click here to see other storage choices in different finishes.

For some creative ways to display your jewelry collection, check out this article from MarthaStewart.com. I can total see me hanging my necklaces from an actual tree branch. If you don't want a piece of outdoors housing your accessories, check out these tree replicas from Urban Outfitters. I love the green lollipop tree stand shown above for $24.

The final word: There infinite options when it comes to jewelry storage, from the fun to the serious. The easiest way to decide which method works for you is take note of what you need to store (e.g. 10 necklaces, 4 rings, 20 earrings, etc.) and pick a solution that effectively handles your jewelry collection.

THE LIMITED ELECTION DAY SALE

Image: The Limited

The Limited is having an Election Day sale (cause there's an election going on somewhere in the world, right). So here's how the savings breakdown:

Take 30% off Tuesday and Wednesday. Use promo code 759.

Take 25% off Thursday and Friday. Use promo code 760.

Take 20% off Saturday and Sunday. Use promo code 761.

The discount is online only and it excludes markdown items. I was in The Limited the other day and I saw a lot of delicious things to buy like shorts, super cute tops, and some very affordable handbags.

URBAN OUTFITTERS PHOTO CONTEST

I think this is the coolest idea. Urban Outfitters is asking people to upload vintage photos of their mom in a dress.  You can get more information on the rules here and you can read the UO blog to find out who inspired the whole thing. You could win a trip to LA and a $500 Urban Outfitters gift card. If only I could find a pic of my mom showing her 70s fabulousness.

While you're there, check out the UO spring favorites under $50 or the shoe section, which is often edgy and a little bit quirky.

Image: urbanoutfitters.com

WHAT I'M WEARING - WHITE JACKET + EVERYTHING

I'm enamored with my long white blazer again so expect to see a lot of it this spring. Choosing a white jacket over a black one is a fresh take on a typically polished look. I found this one last year at New York and Company for $9.99. It's lined so the construction actually belies its low price.

This item is actually the lynch pin of my spring wardrobe. I'll be pairing it with shorts, jeans, dresses (as shown) and any other way my creative juices can conceive.

Do you have one thing that you plan on wearing often this spring?

THIS WEEK'S SALES - EASTER EDITION

It's another holiday weekend so there are no shortage of sales and deals to be found. Here are a few I'm checking out. Have a great weekend!

Gap - Take an extra 20% off sale items online only. Use promo code GAPSALE20. Sale ends Friday, April 2nd. See details for exclusions. 

Ann Taylor - Take 40% off your entire purchase. Use promo code SAVE40. The sale is valid in-store and online. Ends Saturday, April 3rd.

New York & Company - Now through Sunday online, take 50% off everything. This deal ends in-store on Saturday. The prices shown reflect the discount.

VIDEO: STORAGE TIPS FROM SHINE ARTICLE

Here's a great clip from the Yahoo! Shine site. If you're not familiar with Shine, give it a try. There's some good tidbits on fashion, beauty, and other important life issues. This video is all about spring cleaning your bulging closet.