H&M Teams up with NBC's Fashion Star

Fast fashion retailer H&M is excited to announce it's partnership with NBC's 'Fashion Star' which will premier tomorrow, March 13th, 2012. The 'Fashion Star' design competition will feature fourteen up-and-coming fashion designers who will compete to sell their designs each week to a panel of buyers from three national retailers including H&M, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. H&M’s Nicole Christie sits on the panel with her trained eye searching for garments that match the profile of the H&M customer and fit into the latest trends in stores. Buyers from each retailer make on-the-spot decisions as they bid against each other to purchase the designs that will be sold in their stores. At the end of each episode, America will have the chance to immediately purchase the winning designs showcased on the episode.

Nicole Christie (pictured above in orange) explains, “H&M is really excited to play such a key role on ‘Fashion Star.’ With Elle, Jessica, Nicole, and John’s input, these designers will strive to impress all of us on the panel along with the viewing audience. The concept of selling the weekly winner’s designs immediately after the show was so appealing to us and allows fashion to be accessible for all.”

“The show is extremely competitive and my main priority is to choose garments that work into our current merchandising mix and reflect our brand. We want to show everyone involved and the viewers alike that fashion is not a matter of price," added Christie.

The winning designs that are selected by H&M will be available online immediately following the show and in stores the very next day. With just a single trip down the runway, ‘Fashion Star’ will change the lives and fortunes of these aspiring designers forever. In the end, one designer will successfully combine fashion and business to become the ultimate ‘Fashion Star’ and will receive the prize of a lifetime – an exclusive capsule line in all three stores.

Tune in for the premier of Fashion Star tonight on NBC at 9:30pm!

Feeling Social? Follow H&M on Twitter @HMUSA and on Facebook at Facebook.com/HM.

Local Designers featured in NBC's Fashion Star

Tomorrow night the spotlight will shine on two local fashion designers who will make their reality-show debut on NBC's "Fashion Star". Featuring host and super-model executive producer Elle Macpherson along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, the series will give 14 designers the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch their collections in three of America's largest retailers: Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue. Caprice Willard (Macy's), Terron E. Schaefer (Saks Fifth Avenue) and Nicole Christie (H&M) will serve as the judges who make on-the-spot decisions as they vie for the right to purchase and exclusively carry the work of the up-and-coming designers each week. At the end of each episode shoppers will have the chance to immediately purchase the winning designs showcased on the episode that week.

-Meet Lizzie Parker-

Local designer Lizzie Parker specializes in modern knitwear for women. Her clothing has been featured in Daily Candy, WWD, Lucky Magazine, Eco Stiletto, and California Apparel News. Having designed everything from the most essential basic “Lizzie Tee” to red carpet looks for model Summer Rayne Oakes, Lizzie draws inspiration for her designs from daily life.

-Meet Lisa Hunter-

Designer Lisa Vian Hunter has been designing stunning original fashions since 2003. Inspired by shapes and styles of the 1950s, 60s and 70s Lisa launched her first retail store in Palo Alto, CA in 2006 and went on to debut her Seattle store in 2009. Lisa travels to textile shows around the world in search of unique luxurious fabrics and materials to use in her collections. Check out Lisa's video profile!

The show will premier Tuesday, March 13th on NBC at 9:30pm. In the end, the winning designer who successfully combines business and fashion will be named NBC's Fashion Star and receive the prize of a lifetime - $6,000,000 in orders for capsule collections in Macy's, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Follow the action on Twitter @NBCFashionStar and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NBCFashionStar.

Good luck Lizzie & Lisa!

Topshop Opens Las Vegas Store

Last Thursday Topshop opened a brand new store in Las Vegas at the Fashion Show mall. The 22,000 square foot store is the company's third location in the U.S. and includes a Topman shop. In grand opening press interviews Sir Phillip Green, owner of the Arcadia Group which owns Topshop, told reporters that the company hopes to eventually have 15-20 flagship stores in the U.S. but wouldn't comment on a timeline. The first Topshop store in the U.S. was opened in 2009 in New York and a Chicago location followed last fall. The next U.S. Topshop store is set to open in Los Angeles at The Grove next winter.

Topshop / Topman

Fashion Show Mall

3200 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

(702) 866-0646

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-8pm.

Kickers shoes: trendy, practical footwear for all ages

Retro style enthusiasts will love the new range of Kickers shoes. Originally popular in the 1990s, these shoes combine comfort with fashion for relaxed casual wear.

According to top fashionistas, loafers are a great footwear choice for men this winter and will transition nicely into spring. Bringing back the traditional ‘British gentleman’ style, these shoes look great teamed with chinos and a blazer but can also be dressed down with jeans. Ideal for the office, loafers can also be worn with a stylish suit, brushing up your ‘work image’.

For women, Kickers do a great selection of ballet flats,which remain a popular shoe choice for women who are constantly on their feet but still want to look polished. Worn by top celebrities like Mischa Barton and Sienna Miller, these comfortable flats are ideal for work or play. If you feel like taking a leaf out of their style books, combine your ballet pumps with a fashionable maxi skirt for bohemian chic. Another girl who is rarely seen out of her ballet pumps is top UK model, Lily Cole (pictured above). The leggy redhead, who graduated last year with a double first degree, combines her brains and beauty to create an effortless style. With her doll-like features, the catwalk favourite has already launched an acting career on top of her modelling and academic studies. After a minor role in There Be Dragons in 2011, she will appear in The Moth Diaries this year. Known for supporting ethical causes in her spare time, the model’s diverse range of passions is reflected in her simple yet quirky fashion sense. While she knows how to rock a red carpet gown in style, she looks just as comfortable in leggings and ballet pumps.

Of course, Kickers men’s and women’s shoes aren’t just an on-trend fashion choice for men and women, and the brand also does a great line in practical, hard-wearing footwear for children, with a range of colourful designs on offer. Kids love to stand out at school, so why not let them choose their own pair of stylish Kickers?

Plus-Size Fashion Finds for Spring

Top fashion stylists know that women can be beautiful no matter their age, shape or size. Their goal is to help clients accentuate their bodies with apparel and accessories that fit, flatter and flaunt their curves. Plus-size fashion has come a long way and to celebrate women of every shape and size- here's a list of my 5 favorite fashion-finds for spring that are made for just for plus-sized women.

Every spring wardrobe needs a romantic dress that drapes in just the right places. This dress has a beaded neckline which means that there's no need for a necklace. Just pair with simple earrings and a statement bracelet and you're ready to roll. This dress will be your go-to dress this spring for date night, brunch with the girls or even a bridal shower.

Spring time means one thing: SPRING BREAK! Plus size girls need not worry about baring all when it comes to spending time but the pool. This great halter style swimsuit designed by Splendour provides extra coverage where you need it most and has lined cups for additional bust support. This swimsuit also features a special power mesh lining for firm tummy control and is available in two lengths. Style tip: If you just can't part with your oversized cashmere wrap that you lived in all winter long use it as a wrap instead of a traditional sarong. (To try this trend your wrap must be at least 20''x80'').

For an easy one-piece that isn't a dress, try a jumpsuit instead. A great fitting jumpsuit is an effortlessly chic way to compliment your curves and hide figure flaws. This jersey style (shown above) features a v-neck and palazzo-style trousers to balance out your bottom half. Accessorize your jumpsuit for spring by adding a gold metallic braided belt and a fist full of gold bangles.

With so many tank tops out on the market right now one of the must-haves you need in your closet this season is a simple shrug. You'll reach for this item when you want a little more coverage while wearing a tank top or sleeveless dress. This shrug from SimplyBe is made using metallic yarn for a beautiful sheen and plays perfectly into the precious metal trend for spring. The seamless lines of this shrug make it a top pick in my book. Plus Size Style Tip: To streamline your look avoid cardigans, sweaters, shrugs and jackets with bulky buttons near the bust area.

One of the key items you need in your wardrobe this season is the crop jacket. Part casual jacket and part replacement for a traditional blazer the crop jacket is a versatile piece that you can wear to the office with a pair of slacks or as a light weight layer over an easy dress. The 'Mode' jacket featured above comes in a stretch fabric for full ease of movement and has a simple one-button closure to keep the silhouette very simple. Style Tip: Women's Clothing from SimplyBe comes in a full range of sizes from 10-32 proving the looking stylish & chic doesn't require single-digit sizes.

Wedding Bells are Ringing

With the official start of spring just a few weeks away wedding bells will soon be ringing and that means you'll soon be asking yourself one question : What the heck am I going to wear? Don't worry! We have the perfect list of wedding outfits for you and we've organized them by occasion!

While traveling for a destination wedding is so much fun to pack for it often creates the dilemma of wondering what to wear in warm climates that won't be too casual for the big day. In situations like these, less is not more and therefore I recommend airing on the side of caution and picking a dress with a classic cut in a fabric that will let you breathe. The Della Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg is made out of a light weight cotton/poly fabric so you won't melt as you wait for the bride to prance down the aisle.

We love black tie weddings because they are so much fun to dress for! "Black Tie" doesn't mean you need to wear black it just means you need to be polished and put together. The hair, nails, handbag and shoes are all just finishing touches to a great gown. This satin maxi dress with a sweetheart neckline from Asos is the perfect way to play with color this season.

There's something magical and impossibly enchanting about a garden party wedding. The setting brings a certain calmness that can only be found in nature and the energy surrounding the outdoor space is filled with love. For garden weddings I love picking a dress that blends well with the scenery. If it gets chilly in the evening add a colorful cardigan to cover your shoulders.

Getting dressed for a traditional church wedding can be tricky so pay attention. There are certain rules you must abide by when it comes to proper dress code and it often depends the type of church or place of religious worship that you're going to. Word to the wise: Coverage is key. Skip anything that's too short, tight, skimpy or low-cut. Play it safe by wearing something that is sophisticated and stylish. This Alex Evenings dress (shown above) is a good compromise because it covers the shoulders and skims just above the knee- plus it has a beautiful lace overlay and scalloped edge to boost it's glam factor. And don't worry- this dress is champagne not white.

I once went to an evening wedding in the city on a Thursday night that took place at a loft in a super trendy neighborhood. It was amazing and the vibe was really chill. The best part about evening weddings in the city is that for anything goes! It's the perfect occasion to wear an edgy dress and trendy heels. I love this pink v-neck peplum dress (above) because it has a very tailored look and the sweetheart neckline isn't too low cut.

No matter what wedding style you're going for- just remember to have fun and keep it classy. Oh and don't forget to pack the tissue!

Spring '12 Trend: The Wedge

This spring the wedge isn't just reserved for salads it's making a major statement this season in the form of a shoe. The wedge is easier to walk in than a traditional heel and still comes with some serious height. Ralph Lauren showed the wedge sandal (above) in his Spring RTW collection creating texture with woven raffia braids. Here are 5 great shoes featuring a wedge heel that will make the perfect addition to your spring footwear wardrobe.

For a signature summer sandal that you'll wear all season long check out this peep toe wedge featuring a faux cork heel. I love tan colored sandals because they make your legs look really long (and tan!) The slingback closure is also very flattering because it doesn't visually cut off your leg at the ankle. This wedge would be perfect to pair with summer dresses or even a pair of shorts and a tank for a casual look that's pulled together and polished.

The "Breacher" wedge by Tory Burch is another great sandal that's perfect for the season. This shoe combines linen and leather for a playful bohemian style that's perfect for adding interest to your outfit and infusing color into yours spring footwear wardrobe.

This United Nude sandal is all about creating the wedge using negative space. The company was founded by a Dutch architect and an English shoemaker and their focus is on creating beautiful shoes that are both built to last and visually interesting. This wedge would make a perfect pairing with one of spring's asymmetrical dresses!

For a more muted approach to the wedge check out this Viva La Diva slip on with woven metallic detailing featuring a mini wedge! This shoe can be worn on the weekends with your skinny jeans as you run around the city in style with a little "lift". Style Tip: If you have trouble finding wide fitting shoes this may be the shoe for you it comes in a variety of widths including EEE.

Last but not least- for a shoe with serious party appeal check out the Schuh Princess glitter wedge. This statement shoe is guaranteed to turn a few heads and get you noticed in a crowd. This over-the-top wedge would be the perfect shoe for your next girl's night on the town!

Fashion Dreams DO come true for Local Teen

Dreams came true for Sami Smith of Arlington High School (pictured far right) when she won a trip of a lifetime to New York City! Sami was a finalist in the national “Sketch Your Dress” contest run by Seventeen Magazine and David’s Bridal. Selected out of 2,000 entries from high school students across the country, Sami was able to have her vision of a purple asymmetrical prom dress (pictured above on the far right) designed and come to life before her very eyes!

Sami’s winning trip took place in February, and she states, “For three days I felt just like a celebrity! I love the energy of the big city and can see myself living there someday.” She will graduate from Arlington High School this June and is taking pre-requisites at Seattle Central Community College in hopes to be accepted into their Apparel Design program this fall.

Congrats Sami! Your future in the fashion industry looks very bright!

Seattle magazine presents The Forecast Fashion Show

The spring fashion show season has arrived and Seattle magazine is preparing for their very own runway show which will take place next week at Benaroya Hall featuring some of Seattle's best designers and retailers. 'The Forecast' fashion show is a retail-centric show that aims to marry high style with signature Seattle fashion. Participating retailers include Baby & Co., Built for Man, Butch Blum, Heilyke, Hub & Bespoke, Iva Jean, Luly Yang Couture, Nube Green, Snowboard Connection, Wraphabilliment and more. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 8:30. Tickets range from $50 for general admission to $250 for Ultra VIP.

What: The Forecast Fashion Show

When: Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Where: Benaroya Hall

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, Show starts at 8:30

Tickets: $50-250 via Brown Paper Tickets

Spring Trend: Black and White

Black and white are no longer colors reserved for fall and this season they made their way to a variety of runway shows including Chanel (as pictured above). The pairing of black and white is a classic combination that is easy to wear and incorporate into any outfit regardless of the season. Here are some fun ways to wear the trend for spring.

This Vince Camuto striped blouse is a straight forward way to wear the trend without going overboard. By pairing the top with something bright and playful on the bottom you're keeping the overall look of the outfit from going too dark.

Calvin Klein takes a minimalist approach to the black and white trend with this belted color block dress. You can add to the outfit by pairing with bright accessories such as a red statement bracelet or clutch.

Splash around during spring break with a black and white swimsuit. This one by Marie Meili has flirty side ties adorned with silver beads.

Adding a printed dress into your spring wardrobe is a must! This black and white mini would pair perfectly with black tights on a cool spring morning or flat sandals for a bright sunny day.

A white watch with black accents like this one (above) from Armani Exchange is an easy way to accessorize while channeling the black and white trend.

Lace has made a major comeback and Dolce & Gabbana channeled the trend perfectly with this PVC-coated lace iPhone sleeve lined with super soft leather. Love.

If you're updating your wardrobe through accessories this season check out this great Pauls Boutique at Bank Fashion color block bag. BONUS- it's big enough to fit your laptop inside for working on the go!

A black and white wedge sandal can add a lot of interest to your outfit and infuse some fun into your spring wardrobe. This shoe would really brighten up a black (or white) sundress!

Happy Shopping!