Sneak Peek at H&M's Conscious Collection

H&M has always been about sustainable chic.  Whether donating proceeds from sales to charitable causes or being at the forefront of eco-friendly fashion, H&M is a winning example of how responsible and trendy can beautifully co-exist.  

Their latest effort, the totally covetable Conscious Collection, features pieces for men, women and kids in shades of white, the biggest 'non-colour' colour trend for spring.  And, it's not just about organic cotton anymore - the collection also boasts floaty dresses, minimalist blazers and breezy tunics made from Tencel® and recycled polyester. 

“...The possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco smarter materials are huge now. By designing recurring Conscious Collections we have the opportunity to show in a variety of ways what’s possible using more sustainable fabrics,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Head of design.

I can't wait to get my hands on the breezy dresses and maxi skirts for myself (picnic, anyone?) and am completely enamoured with every little thing in the kid's collection.  Do bleach sticks come in bulk?   

The Conscious Collection (ranging from $12.95 - $69.95) will be on sale in all H&M stores starting April 14th but you can get a sneak peek of the collection here.  Hooray - one more reason I can't wait for spring! 

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Change is never easy.  As boring as it sounds, being stuck in a rut can actually be quite comfortable which is why we so often avoid un-sticking ourselves.  The skinny jean has been my go-to for years, so when I heard rumours of the flared-leg takeover set to happen this year, I started to get a little twitchy.  I had finally (and believe me, it took awhile) fallen totally in love with skinnies and I couldn't imagine anything replacing them quite yet.  Still, fashion stops for nobody and this spring, the era to emulate is, indisputably, the seventies.  Designers went back to the decade in a big way and looked to laid-back songstresses like Joni Mitchell for inspiration.  I went to the Gap, bought myself a pair of the new Wide Leg Trouser Jeans and, after a quick apology to my old jeans, tried them on.  They felt totally comfortable but also totally weird and my legs, so accustomed to being strangled, actually breathed a sigh of relief.  Phew.  It's been three days since I brought them home and I'm slowly getting used to my new flared friends.   Real Life Runway Tip:  This look from Derek Lam is easy, laid-back cool at its best and is super easy to pull off.  Wide-leg, high-waisted jeans look best on taller girls so if you're petite, opt for a less extreme boot-cut jean.  Tummy troubles?  Go for a universally-flattering mid-rise version like the cute Old Navy trouser jeans I've shown above. 

Are you liking the seventies pant revival or will you stage a flared pant protest?

Shoe Shoe Sha-Boogie

 

Christian Dior Spring 2011 Shoes - photo courtesy talkshoes.com

As I sit at the computer, looking out my window at the endlessly falling snow, I can't help but feel a little impatient.  I'm trying so hard to live in the moment, enjoy the present, be grateful for all that I have (blah, blah, blah), but my salt-stained boots are making me sad.  I'm ready for some happy, pretty spring shoes but dream as I might, I will never be able to afford these pieces of heaven from Christian Dior.  What's a girl to do?  In the interest of self-preservation and to provide you, fellow stylistas, with 'guilt-free fabulous finds', I've done a little digging to help you get a jump on spring.  I know I've said that I don't mind paying full price for shoes but when they go on sale, I'm extra elated.  These shoes are totally on trend for the coming season and, even better, are seriously discounted.  Ahhh, I feel so much better already!

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A Bootie That Just Won't Quit

I have a hard time paying full price for anything.  Call it the Winner's Syndrome or Gap's We Love Wednesday-itis, but I actually have anxiety attacks when something I love isn't on sale;  except, that is, when it comes to shoes.  For me, shoes are the exception to the rule.  One can never have too many flats, boots, wedges or pumps because a) shoes always fit, b) they will always love you, as long as you take care of them (kind of like a pet except they don't need to go to the bathroom), and c) they are hands (and feet) down, the most important part of your outfit.  I dare you to challenge me on this one.  

These suede peep-toe wedges are so gorgeous, they make me want to cry a little.  They're almost architectural in their beauty and incorporate so many of this spring's shoe trends (wedge heel, peep-toe, wooden sole) that they are an absolute must-have.  Your other shoes are so bored of each other.  Can you hear them?  They're saying, "Please, mom, can Demariona please come over for a playdate?"  How can you say no?

The Demariona wedges ($100) are waiting for you at Aldo locations nationwide or online here 

Oh, and be sure to sneak a peek below at Club Monaco's Spring 2011 lookbook for some styling inspiration.  Surprisingly versatile (read: justifiable), non?

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Found: The J.Lo Glow

Watching American Idol last night, I barely noticed Steven Tyler's massive lips because they were totally trumped by J.Lo's luminous skin.  You might not like her music or the way she pronounces 'Louboutins' but seriously, how stunning is she?!  After the show, I checked myself out in the mirror and Oprah's 'Love Yourself!' chant grew dimmer and dimmer.  I looked tired, I looked washed out and I definitely didn't glow.  Would you glow after your teething 7-month old screamed from 4-6 am?  I bet J.Lo's nannies don't glow.  If the winter's left your skin looking more sallow than spectacular, it might be time to change up your beauty routine. 

I've been a devotee of Nars' Orgasm Blush and YSL's Touche Eclat Radiant Touch for years but I've finally found two drugstore versions that are worthy, wallet-friendly substitutes.  The concealer covers flaws (what flaws?!) and when applied to the inner corners of your eyes, around your nose and above your upper lip,  gives you that 8-hour sleep look when you've only gotten 5.  The blush is the closest thing to the NARS cult-favourite that I've found - just be sure to toss that useless mini brush and apply with a big, fluffy blush brush for a natural, pinched-cheek glow.  We might not have J.Lo's beauty team behind us but with these prettifying tools in your makeup bag, you'll be a glowing goddess in no time.  It will honestly be the best $20 you've spent all year.   Want the full story behind J.Lo's luminous face? Click here for her makeup artist's secrets and get glowing.