StyleVise Blog

If you’re an H&M lover, then Stockholm, Sweden is the place for you. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited (maybe even the most beautiful), but there’s an H&M store at practically every corner. I spotted at least six H&M stores within a two-block radius while walking downtown last night. Really…six H&M stores…within two blocks. I even took a photo of each (see photos below).

While eating dinner at a nearby restaurant, I asked our server, “Why are there so many H&M stores within a block or two of each other?” She responded with a smile, “Why not?” Swedes love H&M. It’s where they can get high-end catwalk fashion at affordable prices.

And like Ikea, H&M was born in Sweden. Earling Persson opened his first store Hennes (the Swedish word for “hers”) in Vasteras, Sweden in 1947. At that time, Hennes sold only women’s clothing. The company didn’t start selling men’s clothing until 1968 when Persson bought Mauritz Widforss, a hunting store in Stockholm that also had a selection of menswear. That’s when the company became known as Hennes & Mauritz, hence H&M. I’m sure I’ll be seeing many more H&M stores while strolling this beautiful city the next few days.

About a week ago, I posted about the new SPANX slimming swimsuits set to arrive in January, but I didn’t know if they would actually arrive in January or what they’d look like? Well, they’re here!

As I suspected, the collection consists of several one-piece suits and tankinis. However, there are also some bikini ($58), full-coverage ($78) and skirt bottoms ($98-$128), as well as a high-rise bottom ($98), which I’ve never seen before (see photo). I think some of the suits are really elegant and simple, particularly a few of the one-piece suits. But I question the legitimacy of this high-rise bottom as its unique style might draw more attention than a woman wearing a SPANX swimsuit wants. It seems a bit too obvious that the purpose of this high-rise swimsuit bottom is to mask the bulge…just go with a one-piece swimsuit.

The collection currently consists of 18 styles, primarily in three colors: pink, teal and black. Check out the entire collection online. What do you think of the newly released SPANX swimsuit styles?

A recent article in the January 2010 isue of Skin Inc. Magazine unveils the truth behind many skin care rumors and myths. I’ve shared just a few below.

True or False? Eating greasy foods will not flare acne.
There is no scientific evidence that greasy foods cause or worsen acne. Continue reading here…

True or false? Acne breakouts concentrated in the chin and jawline areas are likely caused by hormone fluctuations.
Premenstrual acne flares are very common in the chin and jawline areas. Drug therapies are available if you get chronic chin and jawline breakouts. Continue reading more…

True or false? 100% of all-natural products are chemical-free.
Nothing is chemical-free. Continue reading more…

True or false? Allergic reactions are the No. 1 type of reaction caused by skin care products.
The No. 1 type of reaction to skin care products are irritant reactions, mostly caused by over-exfoliation. Overuse of foaming-type cleansers or using cleansers that are too strong for the skin type can also cause irritant reactions. Continue reading more…

Read more of these skin care truths and myths here.

Women swear by the SPANX hosieries, confirming that they actually “eliminate lumps and bumps, trim your tummy and smooth your silhouette.” And when Kim Kardashian was asked what fashion item she couldn’t live without in Life & Style Weekly, her response was “Spanx. Need I say more?”

So why wouldn’t the shapewear company launch a swimwear line? Well SPANX fans, wait no longer.

The SPANX collection currently includes everything from hosiery to socks to body shapers to bras and panties to slimming lingerie to apparel (including pants, tops, tanks, and skirts). But come January 2010, just in time for spring break, the collection will expand to include swimwear made of its patented shapewear technology. To the left are a few photos from the February issue of InStyle Magazine.

Click here to sign up for SPANX emails and be among the first to see the new collection.

We’ll have to wait a few months before finding out which celebs flaunt the new SPANX swimwear. However, below are a few pieces from the current SPANX collection worn by some of your favorite celebs, thanks to HerRoom.

Jessica Alba and Beyonce Knowles
Jessica Alba wore this Slim Cognito Shaping Bodysuit ($62) while filming “The Fantastic Four.” This was also worn by Beyonce and the rest of the cast while filming the movie “Dreamgirls.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones
Catherine is a big fan of this Spanx Camisole ($74) and relies on it when filming. According to HerRoom, this camisole was featured on “The View” and “Good Morning America” as a solution to back fat.

Gweneth Paltrow
After giving birth to her first child,  Gwyneth Paltrow admitted to wearing two Spanx Power Panties ($30) at the same time after giving birth to her first child, Apple.

Click here to see more SPANX pieces worn by your favorite celebrities.

Shop the Victoria’s Secret Clearance Clothing Sale. Save up to 75% off more than 600 styles of Victoria’s Secret clothing when you take an extra 20% off already-reduced prices. Enter coupon code VS20XTRA at checkout. The sale ends Wednesday, January 20!

No, this isn’t my bra color, which is what some of you might be thinking after many women (and men?) updated their Facebook statuses with their bra color last week in the name of breast cancer.

What I’m referring to are these lace nails. Celebrity manicurist, Elle from Barielle, created this look by layering lace fabric on the nail with nail adhesive, and models have been spotted flaunting it down the runway since. Learn how to give yourself a lace manicure from Splendicity’s Makeup Minute.

What you’ll need: nail polish remover, Gel Resin (available at beauty supply stores), a thin piece of lace, Brush-On Nail Glue (available at beauty supply stores), pair of small embroidery scissors.

Would you “lace up” your nails for a special occasion, just as Jennifer Lopez did at the VMAs last fall?

These classy, adorable Nine West “Jadlyn” ankle boots are on sale from $119 to $49.99 (free standard shipping included). Wear them with many styles of jeans, including skinny jeans, or pair them with leggings. The boots have a 3 1/2″ heel and come in natural (see photo) or black leather. You can also choose from three widths: narrow, medium or wide. I just ordered mine!

Ugg, meet Jimmy Choo. Jimmy Choo, meet Ugg. Jimmy Choo, the luxury footwear brand, is pairing up with Ugg Australia to create a limited edition collection of women’s sheepskin footwear.

The collection, set to roll out October 2010, will consist of five styles in multiple colors and will be sold only in Jimmy Choo and Ugg Australia stores, as well as specialty and high-end department stores that carry the Jimmy Choo label. Many report that the collection will range in price from £495-£695 (around $800-$1,100). However, according to the Ugg Australia press release, it will range from $495 to $795.

Tamara Mellon, president and founder of Jimmy Choo, said, “Other than Jimmy Choo, UGG Australia is the only other footwear I have in my wardrobe.” Uh, Really?

This comes just shortly after Jimmy Choo’s collaboration with H&M. This past November, Jimmy Choo stocked 250 H&M stores with affordable shoes and bags.

But will this couple make it? I guess we’ll have to wait and see this fall. They say opposites attract.

It’s football time! Or at least time to start planning those football parties. Do you have a fashionable and comfortable tee to wear this weekend for round two of the playoffs or for Super Bowl Sunday? Check out Junk Food’s Vintage NFL collection for women and men (starting at $28). They have a wide selection on their website, including a limited edition of vintage NFL baby and toddler t-shirts that are adorable! RevolveClothing.com sells Junk Food NFL retro tees for only $24, but the selection is limited to only a few teams. You can also check the selection carried by Anonymous-Venice and get 10% off by using coupon code AV10.

These super soft old-school tees are perfect for lounging around or wearing to the next football party, whether it’s this upcoming weekend or Super Bowl Sunday. Even if your team missed the playoffs this year, you’ll have one conveniently in your closet for next season.

The Body Shop has brought back 11 of its best-selling products from the 1980s. According to Lisa Gaynor, International Innovation Director, The Body Shop brought them back “in response to customers and store staff asking us ‘why don’t you bring back Dewberry’ or ‘whatever happened to Banana Shampoo.’”

The “Originals” collection includes long-time customer favorites like Ice Blue Shampoo, Dewberry Body Lotion and Banana Conditioner to name a few. This time around, these products are in 100% recycled PET bottles and feature fair-trade ingredients. Take a peak. For some of you, these products may conjure old memories, taking you back in time.

The Originals Collection

• Dewberry Body Lotion and Bath & Shower Gel
• Ice Blue Shampoo
• Banana Shampoo and Conditioner
• Carrot Moisture Cream
• Fuzzy Peach Bath & Shower Gel
• Cucumber Freshening Water and Cleansing Milk
• Green Apple Bath & Shower Gel
• Passion Fruit Facial Cleansing Gel

According to  T (The New York Times Style Magazine), the items went on sale January 11 (while supplies last). Learn more by watching the The Body Shop’s YouTube video.

We want to know which are your favorites and any memories you have from using these products! Post your answer on StyleVise.