'A Baby Is Born'

Sneak Peak of the FW11 Rachel Zoe Collection

For the pregnant Rachel Zoe, the baby boy expected to be born in March will mark only one of the new additions to change the celebrity stylists’ life.

Come Fall-Winter ’11, expect to find Zoe’s first eponymous contemporary collection in stores like Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Reports say that Zoe, unable to meet with buyers and editors during New York because of her pregnancy, scheduled an early preview in January.

Take Two with Model Nell Rebowe

Find [hotos of the entire line now on style.com and others like wwd.com, fashionista.com, etc.

With so much of Hollywood already with its own fashion labels, it’s a wonder why a stylist already with her hand in the fashion cookie jar did not create a fashion line earlier. Zoe told instyle.com: “I’ve been subconsciously building this collection in my mind for a long time.”

Perhaps like celebrity-turned-designer Victoria Beckham (not to make comparisons), the timing and collection needed to be right. One glimpse of the Rachel Zoe collection and any fashion enthusiast will admit it was worth the delay.

While there is a tinge of 70s references, the collection is not entirely comprised of long, bohemian dresses infused with disco glam. Not like most fans and followers would think, according to Zoe.

The collection does break some of the preconceived notions of her style of dress, which is refreshing.

Third's a Charm with Romantic Ruffles

In the collection, you will find the following well-cut and on-trend pieces: tailored pantsuits with a Yves Saint Laurent reminiscent le smoking jacket; faux fur vest; military jackets; silk blouses with bows; camel jumpsuit; romantic ruffle skirts; and a camel cape with a fold-over neckline. My personal favorites include the camel cape, faux fur trim coat and tapered trousers.

Fellow model Nell Rebowe (who I had the pleasure to work with on a shoot last September) and Caroline Deisler and Georgie Badiel sported the various looks.

Check out the collection and let me know whether you think these creations were blessings or mishaps.

-S. Gonzalez

'Introducing The Conscious Collection'

The Conscious Collection at H&M

Hennes and Mauritz isn’t likely to make a promise that it can’t keep.

The fast-fashion pledged to only use sustainable cotton that is either organic-grown or recycled by 2010. The Conscious Collection set to launch April 14 is one of H&M’s first steps in showing its commitment to sustainability and the environment.

H&M Head of Design Ann-Sofie Johansson told the Examiner: “It’s not just about organic cotton anymore, the possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco-smarter materials are huge now.”

The collection is a spring line of apparel for men, women and children made from organic cotton, organic linen, Tencel and recycled polyester. Minimal and white, the womenswear collection features romantic accents such as lace trim, frills and draping. Spring wardrobe essentials include maxi-length skirts, blazers and pleated trousers in sharp, tailored cuts.

It has received solid good reviews from critics that claim the styles feel as good as it looks. High-waisted bloomers with scalloped hems, white dresses with broderie anglaise for sleeves, and eyelet top can be easily dressed down for a casual picnic with friends or up with the use of accessories for rooftop cocktails in the summer.

For men, the styles are less romantic and more clean cut. Two-button blazers, casual tees, and tailored trousers in an all-white palette are what’s in store for the H&M man.

And with budget-conscious prices set from $10 to $60, the collection stays in line with the usual H&M price point.

My thoughts? I think the collection will generate most of its sales not so much for its eco-friendliness, but for its style and affordable prices. Although, I cannot say whether I'd purchase a piece from the collection just yet - only until I get to weigh in and touch the fabric myself.

Photographer Sölve Sundsbo (see photos) shot the advertising campaign with models Natasha Poly, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Ben Hill and Clément Chabernaud.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of H&M

'Spring Pick-Me Up'

Chase those winter blues away by welcoming an early spring in your decor

Punxsutawny Phil may have predicted an early spring this year on Groundhog’s Day, but I’d be hard-pressed to find a believer on the East Coast.

Wintry mixes of ice and rain, gray skies and the usual cold blasts of wind – we’ve seen it all and been left wondering, “When is it going to end?” I’m already in desperate need of retail therapy.

The pick-me-up is necessary on all fronts: For my wardrobe, I would like a floral print skirt that can go from espresso at the office to cocktails at the bar. At home, I would like to introduce new prints and accents to my walls and furnishings in the spirit of the new season.

Starting with my bedroom, I hope to:

Purchase some unique engraved prints or paintings to hang on my wall. No copies of Van Gogh’s Starry Night, please. Either in visiting local art galleries and art schools (art instructors are typically working artists in their own rite), I might be able to snag some one-of-a-kind pieces. Plus, contributing to the arts is always to be commended.

Upholstered bench strikes contrast with bedding

I have long been in need of an upholstered bench to sit in front of my bed. Most of the apparel and books/important papers end up on my bed or futon nearby. The contrasting fabric on the bench would perk up the look of my quilted duvet cover and throw pillows.

Do not underestimate the power of a pillow in a fresh spring color decorated with a flourish of swirly floral prints. Or it could be as easy as using spring-friendly fabrics, like linen pillows. It’s an instant, inexpensive way to brighten up your bedspread and chaise. I like to do a fair amount of mismatching of pillows to bring even more contrast to the room.

Summon spring with linen print pillows

Double rods on the windows will allow me to drape sheer draperies over my existing blackout curtains. I often look to the fabric store to procure these draperies since it will be used only as an accent piece. I prefer to have them cut at the same length or longer than my hanging curtains, so they gather on the floor.

Maybe all my spring shopping and decorating will help Punxsutawny Phil’s prediction hold true.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of redbookmag.com; potterybarn.com