H&M Bold Colors & Tangerine Tango

Did you already hear..? Tangerine Tango is the Pantone color of the year 2012? H&M is on it! Their spring collection has several pieces in this tangy orange color, for cheap prices that you’d expect from H&M. It’s easy to get on board with the bright and bold tangerine tango craze when it’s as affordable as H&M. Yes, this most likely is a color that you wouldn’t want to wear two years from now.. so you’re OK for getting your clothing and accessories in not so good quality.

You can pick casual or work day looks from H&M spring collection to get a vitamin C boost for your wardrobe. I guarantee you will feel energized and ready to live life to the fullest when wearing tangerine tango.

Also, check out H&M Home Spring 2012 Collection Bold Colors at Skimbaco Home – no, unfortunately the home collection is still not available in the US, but it gives you an idea how to bring these bold colors also for your home.

Vintage Flair

If the bold colors are not for you.. no worries, H&M spring 2012 collection also has a nice collection of clothing with vintage flair.
In the H&M Home Collection you will see rustic influences, like pictured below, and relaxed chic Parisian style, which also continues in the clothing collection.

Nautical stripes, denim and cardigans. Shorts, skinny jeans AND very flare jeans, everything goes. Denim with white for casual and dressy look. I personally wear this classic style all the time, and would recommend a better quality brand that will last for years to come to achieve this look – but if you think this look is just a spring fling, H&M is a great option.

NINE WEST Wool Walker Coat
Normal price: $275, sale price: $69.99
Shop: Ideeli

Sale Find: TART Collections “Beverly” Camel Jacket
Normal value: $634.00 Sale price: $189.90
Shop: Rue La La

I’m so glad it’s fall and I can wear my favorite accessory everyday. That’s scarf, of course.
How else could you make the same outfit look new each day? Scarves are also so multi-use and a good scarf you can use with many outfits, like Eva Longoria shows above.

Here is a small collection of my scarves and as you can see – they come in all colors and prints. For example I don’t see myself as the animal print girl at all – but I love the zebra print scarf, it draws attention and I can easily make a simple black and white outfit to look entirely different by wearing the animal print scarf one day, and then a bright colored one the next day.

Top 5 Scarf Tips

1. Buy scarves in different prints and colors, they are the easiest and often the cheapest way to make an outfit trendy. If the print of the season isn’t something you want to wear for a long time – be trendy and get it in an expensive scarf.

2. Think multi-use, and also multi-outfit. Can the same scarf go with a t-shirt and jeans and the next day accompany a little black dress? Can the thin silk scarf work as a shawl with your dress and then wrapped with your business suit? Learn to tie your scarf in different ways to get more looks out of it.

3. Invest in good quality. If you want the most out of your scarves and to be able to use them again and again, buy good quality. Polyester and acrylic ones might be cheaper to buy now, but in the long run you’re better of by choosing a better quality one that will last for years. Choose scarves that are made of silk, wool, cashmere or other natural materials. Unless you are doing #1. and choosing the least expensive way to be trendy and buying a trendy scarf that you know you will not wear for more than a season or two. But when you buy evergreen prints, solid colors or classic prints – always choose quality.

4. Another trick: buy designer scarves to make your entire outfit look more expensive than it is. When you have an expensive designer scarf that makes your outfit to stand out, nobody will ever guess that you paid double for the scarf tan what you paid for your dress. Scarf will instantly make your outfit also look more put together. I know it hurts your wallet (and is against your principle) to pay more for a scarf than for clothing, but trust me on this one.

5. Scarves are a must have travel accessory, especially for flights. Read more about scarves as a must have celebrity travel accessory and read the list of top scarves what to buy right now at Skimbaco Travel. (pictured below)

Here are some of my favorite fall time links for enjoying the autumn time. You might also want to click to Hip As I Wanna Be, where Jennifer interviewed me and featured me in the Working Mom Spotlight. I’m revealing some secrets there and more about those soon – living exciting times here, that’s for sure. Enough about teasers, here I represents some fun fall links.

Fall in Love: Beautiful Boots at the Blonde Episodes is a fall boot & shoe drool fest. I could take every.single.pair. Yes please!

How to Knit a Sweater for your iPhone is a post with full directions at Colorado Mom. Start with a sweater for your phone and then move on to knitting a sweater for your dog, and maybe by the time you’re finished you are a) ready for matching sweaters for the family or b) totally done with the knitting thing.

A Simple Recipe to Make Crumble Topped Fruit Cobbler at Untrained Housewife truly is such an easy recipe that you can even make it with your kids. Or heck, have your kids make it for you, or hubby, if you don’t have the kids. Yumminess that doesn’t cost much, doesn’t take long, and surely makes you enjoy life. One side note though: I’d replace the canned fruit with fresh ones, apples and pears are right on season right now.

Food for Fall Linky at Lil Kid Things continues with the food for fall, because I know the cobbler made you hungry for more.

5 Favorite Soup Recipes is a brilliant guest post by Jennifer Leal at Skimbaco Food for those cold fall days when you just want some hot soup. She makes mean chicken enchilada soup pictured above – check out 4 other soup recipes from her!

Fall, the best time to take pictures at Picaboo blog is a great reminder to snap some fall time photos. There truly isn’t anything like autumn colors, enjoy it while it lasts!

Trend Spotting: Orange You Excited for Spring at The Luxury Spot already looks towards the next spring, straight from fashion week. Good news; if you now buy orange clothing for fall, the color will be in when the spring comes along too.

I’m so excited that one of my favorite inexpensive European fashion retailers, ZARA, is opening their online store tomorrow September 7th. I’ve loved Zara ever since I visited their store the first time in my vacation in Madrid, Spain over ten years ago. They have a store in New York City, but I’m super excited that now they will also be offering an online store for easier shopping!

Zara’s prices are low, and they are the perfect shop for trendy clothing for each season. They have women’s, men’s and children’s departments and I especially love the children’s collection; classy European style but with half of the price that you typically have to pay for the look.

To make the already budget friendly brand even more enticing for online shopping, Zara offers free 2-4 days standard shipping or free shipping to your favorite Zara store. Optionally you can get 24-48 hour shipping for a flat rate of $9.95. Payment options include even Paypal. To shop Zara online, go to www.zara.com and select USA.

Zara Fall 2011 Collection Favorites

Here are just a few of my favorite clothing picks for the fall 2011 from Zara and as you can see – the prices are awesome.

on the left: cable-stitched sweater $59.90

on the left: mohair blazer for men $189

on the left: trench coat with checked lining for girls $45.90

on the left: herringbone blazer with elbow patches for boys: $55.90

Jennifer Lopez launches an exclusive lifestyle brand at Kohl’s this fall, launching on September 7th. The clothing and home collections are inspired by her glamorous and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and the collection is easy, comfortable and inexpensive yet bringing glamor for everyday style. Read more about the Jennifer Lopez home collection and see pictures of her beautiful California home at Skimbaco Home, and get the full scoop on the fashion collection here.

At the same time Kohl’s is deputing a Marc Anthony collection of men’s clothing and accessories, and from the quick look, I almost love the Marc Anthony line even more, it is more classy and less trendy, where as J.Lo’s collection is Old Hollywood glamor meets new trends. I find it slightly awkward that they are launching these collections at the same time considering the divorce gossip mill going on. Nevertheless, I still miss the J.Lo jeans I had five years ago, they were my favorites, and hope that this collection’s clothing is cut the same way, and I can score some inexpensive wide-leg pants like the ones in the picture below for the fall.

Jennifer Lopez wide-leg pant $60.00, pleat-sleeved blouse $48, marilyn shopper handbag $119

Jennifer Lopez Collection

The Jennifer Lopez Collection has classic silhouettes paired with edgy Hollywood influences including metallics and faux-fur making the collection look very J.Lo. The collection is chic yet playful and offers sexy, glamorous pieces for everyday use, for any occasion. I can see Jennifer Lopez wearing many of the pieces in the collection, but even she can’t make the handbag and the über high boots look classy in the video below. While I think glamor is very difficult to make without it looking copy-cat and cheap, and some of the more “glamorous” pieces are a tad too much for me, the rest of the collection looks really good, see the pictures below.

And on a side note, I love how Jennifer’s hair looks in the video – I wonder if she could next team up with L’Oreal because I want that color from a box..? (sing with me: “don’t be fooled by the locks that I got, it’s still, it’s still color from the box”…)

Some of the highlights and fall trends you can spot in the Jennifer Lopez Collection:

Wide-Leg Pants replacing the skinny jeans.
Winter Shorts worn with either a bare leg or with tights and are a great way to add new style to an evening look.
Winter White and Midnight Blue together give a classy and sophisticated look, and warmer than black and white.
Sparkle and metallic fabrics give any look just the right boost of star power, great for upcoming Holiday season.
Shearling and Faux Fur bring glamor to your everyday wardrobe.

See the collection pictures and tell me your favorites!

Jennifer Lopez Collection strapless jumpsuit $80, mesh link necklace $38,

Jennifer Lopez Collection short-sleeved surplice top $44, ponte pant $54, cocoon sweater $70

Jennifer Lopez Collection liquid one-shoulder dress $66, ava peep-toe slingbacks $69.99

Jennifer Lopez Collection embellished knit tee $48, mesh skirt $50, bette sweater boots $99.99

Jennifer Lopez Collection faux-fur-trimmed sweater $84, skinny seamed jeans $60, loretta hobo handbag $99

Jennifer Lopez Collection sheath dress $70, faux-fur jacket $100, lillian shoulder handbag $89

Jennifer Lopez Collection notched collar striped pajama set $48

Jennifer Lopez Collection bette sweater boots $99

Jennifer Lopez Collection lana platform pumps $69

Jennifer Lopez Collection greta top handle handbag $89

Jennifer Lopez Collection emma hobo $99

Marc Anthony Collection

The styles of the Marc Anthony Collection reminds us of the elegance of an earlier era, and the clothes incorporate the timeless style with a modern vibe. Marc Anthony himself says in the video above that he has made it very easy for any guy to look great. And I have to say – I completely agree. The collection is very classy yet trendy and made for the modern man. I can’t wait to see this collection in person, because from the photos it looks fabulous.

Marc Anthony Collection military trench coat $180, shawl-collar merino sweater $80, diego cap-toe canvas panel boots $120

Marc Anthony safari jacket $180, denim jeans $70

Marc Anthony Collection sport coat $225, antonio suede bit loafers with blue accents $90

Marc Anthony Collection antonio suede bit loafers with blue accents $90, san juan tan suede moccasin-toe loafers $90

In a world where shirts are as sparkly as jewelry, tops are pieced together with more than one fabric, and some patterns worn could stop traffic, everyone seems to have forgotten about the classic white t-shirt. You know, the little white t-shirt hidden at the bottom of your drawer? The one that you only wear when you feel you don’t have to look cute that day? Well, pull that little white t-shirt out of your drawer because not only is it comfortable but it is also a staple in every girl’s wardrobe.

White t-shirts can be dressed up in many ways that are already in your closet. A personal favorite white t-shirt of mine is the Hanes Tagless V-Neck t-shirt. It is cute, inexpensive, and not so mention super comfortable. The Hanes v-neck can be transformed to fit any look you want.

This first look features a white t-shirt worn with simple dark wash jeans. The patterned scarf adds a pop of color that makes the outfit a little more eye catching. Since the scarf is pretty powerful, the accessories can be more neutral. A simple watch and gold studs keep the outfit perfect for everyday use with a little pop of color in the ring to accent the scarf. Finally, chunky heel adds some sophistication finished off with a casual crossbody bag. This outfit is great for casual events and just for everyday wear.

The next look contains the same white v-neck shirt with a slimming black pencil skirt. By adding the belt to the pencil skirt it creates a distinct divide between the shirt and skirt while adding visual interest and defining a waist. To make a statement with this simple outfit, a red pump is shown to add a little bit of color. Since the outfit is pretty simple, a chunky neutral necklace is perfect without making the outfit look too over accessorized. The look is finished off with a simple black tote, studs, and a matching watch. Even though the top is just a t-shirt, this outfit is perfect for work or a professional setting.

The final look features not the white v-neck t-shirt, but a simple white tank top. Paired with the tank is an interesting pair of grey bow shorts. Since the top is so simple, pairing it with an unusual pair of shorts really makes the shorts the focus of the outfit. Adding a chunky long necklace adds a little sparkle to the otherwise plain top half of the outfit. The accessories are simple, with metallic gladiators, silver studs, and a clear watch. Adding a red handbag adds the color needed to complete this outfit. This look is easy to put together and so simple for summer style.

Even though a white t-shirt may seem boring, think of all the ways you can dress it up to make it your own. The options are endless and with the right accessories, it can be right for just about any occasion.

Disclosure: I received Hanes t-shirt to review, but I have been already using them for years, and all of my opinions are my own.

The Missoni for Target lookbook is out! Over 400 products of bold colors, ziggity zag goodness with Target-low prices coming to Target near you on September 13th, and you can see some of the pictures of the clothing collection here and more pictures of the Missoni for Target home collection at Skimbaco Home.

The Missoni for Target collection has clothing, shoes and accessories for women, men and children, and in addition you can find stationery, bags, luggage, and even a bike! I think the rubber boots are a must for the fall, and this inexpensive collection is a great way to dress out of your comfort zone and get some bold colors for your fall wardrobe. I haven’t seen the collection in person, and Target’s designer collections have been a hit and a miss, but Missoni for Target sure looks good in the pictures.

All the accessories and bags look awesome, and I love the colors for the fall. I love buying classic clothes in good quality that last year after year, and then accessorize them with products that are less expensive, and the Missoni for Target collection has so many colorful and stylish items to accessorize any fall outfit. One must buy are the tights for adults – I love thick colorful tights for fall and winter!

If you have little girls – the Missoni collection has so much colorful cuteness for her too. Missoni for Target makes it easy to dress your mini-me in the same fashion as you. My girls like buying the matchy-matchy stuff with me too, we just don’t wear them at the same time. At least not on purpose!

photos: racked, ology

Sofia Vergara is everywhere!

Sofia Vergara is the cover girl of September issue of Redbook magazine, and she is in the Smurf movie, which just came out last week. And we all, of course, love her bubbly role in the ABC’s Modern Family. In addition to this – her first clothing line will debut in Kmart soon, and she is the new face for CoverGirl, and will start appearing in CoverGirl’s ads starting in January 2012. She truly is a woman who lives life to the fullest and is taking her success to the next level and making all of her dreams come true!

Sofia Vergara Kmart Clothing Collection

Sofia Vergara’s clothing line will be in Kmarts starting in late August and early September, and the line is casual, great for fun evenings out with your friends, and it includes dresses, skirts, jeggings, oversize tops, tanks and jeans. Sofia Vergara suggested a pair of her Kmart leggings, and with something fairly high end, perhaps a designer jacket in an interview with WWD and said about the collection:

It’s comfortable and chic, affordable, and versatile to wear from day to the night. It’s fantastic because you can mix and match.

See it yourself – here are pictures of Sofia wearing clothing from her collection at Kmart. The clothing line is priced for Kmart; the most expensive jackets are $59.99 and handbags run for $14.99 to $29.99; dresses $29.99 to $36.99, jewelry under $19.99. Affordable, and very wearable.

But who Sofia Vergara really is? And will Kmart-shoppers be able to relate to her, after all she is one of most successful Latino actresses? She says she is just like her television character in the Modern Family, in the Redbook magazine’s interview Sofia Vergara says that she really relates to her television character:

I think I’m the most similar. I’m Latin, I have an accent, I have a kid from a previous marriage, and I’m Columbian. Julie is a lot like Claire; she’s very into doing things perfectly. She’s neurotic, in a good way. I think she and I get along so well because we’re very different. They don’t have to alter anything she puts on because she’s superfit. Everything I try on is hours of alterations. There’s no competition of any kind, which is what happens sometimes with women. Rico [Rodriguez], who plays my son, says he’s not at all like Manny, but we all think he is; he’s an old soul. Eric [Stonestreet] plays a gay guy and he’s not gay, so that’s the most different. But the rest of us, we’re very similar. Ty [Burrell] is exactly Phil.

My conclusion is that she is someone who works hard to make her dreams come true, and I can’t but admire Sofia Vergara. Here is she in in a Missoni dress and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry in the Smufts premier in July 24th, 2011 in New York, looking as fabulous as always.

Photos: Kmart, CoverGirl, Getty, Redbook