Martin + Osa is a new concept from the crew that brought you American Eagle. If you’ve out grown AE’s ripped jeans and trendy print t’s, then this store is for you. They proudly share "if it looks like it’s made for a 20-year-old, we don’t make it."

The store’s name and inspiration comes from Martin and Osa Johnson, a globetrotting husband and wife team from Kansas who explored Africa and the South Pacific Islands, chronicling their travels in photographs and diaries.

Martin + Osa carries their own branded clothing brand plus some third-party brands -Ray-Ban sunglasses, Clarks desert boots, Tretorn sneakers, and Havaianas sandals.  The site provides features full-motion video on some outfits and Layer Your Own Look (cool way to test an outfit that you assemble on a 3D form). But best…Free shipping and returns to USA and Canada.

The only downside is that since it’s a new website there’s not tons of selection, but there are some gems. I really like this Tie-Front Poplin skirt and or these mid-thigh Mandala print shorts.

BONUS: 30% off with promo code 32619559

Designers this spring have thrown in a touch of color - in contrast to previous seasons’ emphasis on neutrals. Neon is trying to make a comeback in the mainstream fashion scene with the latest neon color trend from Nixon, Diesel, Chris Benz, and more.

Popular colors of neon green and hot pink or even brighter varieties of orange and yellow - straight from the 80’s. I’m hyped for all the retro 80’s fluorescent  fashions that are lighting up this spring season. Anything 80’s goes for me!

Take a chance and wear this neon bright pink Nixon Vega watch.  Or glow even more with this sexy neon pair of bright yellow Diesel stretch jeans. 

You just might need shades, these colors can blind you. But dare to be bright no matter what your selection, retro-glow is this season’s new beau!

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer. 

Body slimmers just keep on getting better. And really they’re not necessarily all about slimming, but rather shaping and making your clothes look better. Pencil skirts, skinny capri pants, figure hugging dresses…all creating problems that Secret Slimmers shapewear line is reading to smooth out for us.

* Unless you’re a die-hard thong fan or go commando - then you’ve dealt with "VPL" (Visible Panty Lines). 

Answer: Tummy Shaper Pantyhose. Plus, they have a Thigh and Tummy Shaper Capri that’s supposed to stay cool even in hot weather.

* That sexy little cocktail dress would be gorgeous on you if it wasn’t interrupted by lumps and bumps, but holding your breath all day to maintain that smooth line is not an option.

Answer: I felt pretty awkward squishing & squirming (and giggling) my way into the Secret High Waist Shaper Panty. But after a bit they were actually comfortable and I was surprised they really made a difference to my jersey knit dress.

If you are trying to make a statement with your style Colcci is the up and coming brand for you.  This Brazilian fashion line is hitting North America by storm with Gisele Bundchen heading up an edgy marketing campaign. 

The Spring Summer 2008 collection is called "Push the Button." An elevator will give you the possibility to choose different floors, each of them will bring you to a specific issue of the collection. The basement floor is dark, chaotic for a look more casual, clean and washed.

The first floor is a musical studio where the outfits are elaborated with shines and strong colors. Finally the second floor hosts a casino and disco club where you will notice a lot of luxury, shines, studs and metal.

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer.
 

When we’re sharing trends we often forget to share some of the basic staples we all need. Like a good fitting, quality tank top.

Fashion is fickle. But Everlast fitness and workout apparel gives you the timeless combo of great fit, comfort and durability. I was surprised at how deliciously soft this poor boy rib is, yet thick enough to give you shape.

Double the style and double the coverage, this top-selling tank with a fashion-forward layered look, hides your midriff, elongates your torso and moves right along with you.

Psst! They’re also on sale right now for $10! 

As 2008 warms up - the denim trend is for color to lighten up. Pale shades of blue and colored denim.

Frankly, this is a hard trend for me to move with, because darker blue jeans are dressier looking and better suit my style. And secondly, I’m not a fan of pastel pants.

The exception for me are yellow jeans. Victoria Beckham has been spotted combining two of the hottest denim trends around - colored denim and fitted flares with canary yellow jeans by dVb denim. 

Lucky Magazine says: " The key to making buttery yellow jeans super sexy is to wear them super-skinny." So…

My top pick would be Sass & Bide’s new style ‘The Husley Strutter‘ - dubbed on of the IT jean styles for 2008. Still in the same black stretch denim but with a high waist and slim - not skinny - you’ll love these more and more with each wear.  But only if I can find the butter yellow version.

lily + jae, a line of women’s contemporary street wear designed for the prototypical girl next door: energetic, innocent, and playful.

The line is independently designed and manufactured in Vancouver, and quickly being recognized for its flirty dresses, soft hoodies, and high-waist trousers.

Lily Allen, Ashlee Simpson, Sarah Polley, and Amy Smart are already fans. Adored by women all across Canada, lily + jae celebrates our third season of production by expanding into the USA. Response has been overwhelmingly positive to date.

I was just in Zebra Club and picked up the Valleygirl Vest in ash. The picture doesn’t do it justice - it sits sweet on the bum (meaning perfect pair for a pair of leggings). Wear this cozy vest three different ways–with the shoulders spread out, gently bunched at the neck (sexy), or as a hood!

Not to be lost is the humour behind the line - with cheeky phrases to remind you how to care for lily and jae: Don’t Dry, You Might Cry.

 

If you missed last spring’s limited editions of Gap’s designer WHITE shirts - then get ready for the next round! April 15 marks a whole new round of  Gap Design Editions 2008.

They’re definitely not your average white shirts - created by indie designers like 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, Threeasfour, and Philip Crangi.

They look high-end quality luxe for Gap prices ranging from $45 to $88.

And check out the teaser ads, where behind these gorgeous white shirts are some hip faces - top models Chanel Iman, Jessica Stam, Lily Donaldson, Du Juan, Catherine McNeil, Anya Rubik, Doutzen Kroes and Irina Lazareanu.

Tip: Last time these sold out quickly both in store and online. So put the count down in your PDA.

Turn off your lights!! Saturday from 8-9p for ‘Earth Hour’.

Landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge, Sears Tower and the Sydney Opera House will also be taking part- very cool! Promote wareness to the world about the amount of energy we consume.

Fact: if 10,000 households turn off lights tomorrow night for just one hour, we’ll avert the CO2 created by an average apartment in a whole year.- Ideal Bite.

For some Earth Hour 2008 humour enjoy this ‘conservative’ parody on I’m F@cking Matt Damon:

Lauren Conrad is doing her thing this Spring 2008.  Showcasing her signature designs in her second season of her self-titled fashion line. Will this reality TV star soon be snapshot eating lunch with Donatella Versace?  

Lauren Conrad Collection reflects Lauren’s upbringing in Southern California - that laid back lifestyle she is accustom to in The Hills.  Her line does have some star qualities about it (in its simplicity), but it’s definitely not a collection that will be hunted down by paparazzi on the street.

Hmmm…this leaves The It Lists to wonder if Lauren Conrad Collection is violating us with this star’s 10 seconds of fame?

Thank goodness the buzz on the recent Fall 2008 shows is that Lauren has stepped up her game.  Looks like her time in Paris this summer has paid off.

~ Nicole, guest "it" writer.
Image: Source

As promised my other trendy pick fro the aisles of Forever 21 (and online too) is the best of two spring trends-in-one:  the metallic bomber jacket.

Bomber jackets were immortalized in fashion when Tom Cruise wore one in the movie Top Gun, but I think Katie Kat will have more luck resurging this trend. The real drive behind this trend is the coveted signature piece of the MEMBERS ONLY collection - but try and get your hands on one. Better luck at Forever 21. ;)

This new luxury version of a metallic bomber is shimmering and styling enough to wear for an evening on the town with jeans or dress.

Pictured here are two great budget finds, but if you’re apt to splurge a little - check out Gwen Stefani’s  L.A.M.B. Army Bomber Jacket at Nordstroms.

Designer’s Spring 2008 Must-Haves:
Silver metallic leather bomber jacket ~ Pamella Roland
My Chocolate leather bomber jacket – great to be worn with anything and everything
 ~ Charlotte Ronson  

I just returned from an Edmonton visit…dinners with friends, a little bit of clubbing, a Croatian bday fest, and a reunion with my adored Sephora and Forever 21 (ala West Edmonton Mall).

I spent over 2 hours just in Forever 21 stockpiling on spring accessories (oh mi!), tops and dresses. 

The one thing I was disappointed in was to see how much crochet was in stock despite all the trend experts saying it’s time to store crochet for another season - instead it’s all about lace, rouching and other details.

Here’s a great Satin Lace Tunic for a crochet alternative, and I’ve already done a proper test drive on a nite out. Gathered knit tunic with gorgeous satin lace trimmed bodice detailing; and the bat wings drape and aren’t overwhelming.

Not lace, but good purchases:
Satin Trapeze Top - sassy with jeans, and brilliant in orange.
Basket Weave Tunic - I bought cream & it looks beyond it’s price tag.
Embroidered Knit Top - for a dash of bohemian

Teaser: I’ll post soon my other trendy pick from the aisles of Forever 21.

Feature: Mac Fafi Review & Giveaway COUTURE IN THE CITY (read full article)

The It Lists was going to share Fafi, the latest line of MAC Cosmetics because it’s one of my fav bday presents (thanks Irena!)… but then our friends at Couture in the City did such a good review AND prize give away that I figured it best just to give my DOUBLE stamp of approval and share their post:

MAC Cosmetics wants to introduce you to a few of their new friends…Monoka, Ermine and Eriko are the three muses behind the M.A.C. Fafi line. Bursting with color, life and edgy energy, these grafitti queens are the inspiration for this colorful new line. M.A.C. Fafi’s packaging is emblazoned with images from the amazing artist Fafi.

Enter HERE to Win MAC Fafi Giveaway!

Shop By Your Favorite Decade FABSUGAR (read full article)

Saks Fifth Avenue is now letting you live vicariously through your favorite style icons of decades past.

Great Gatsby characters… Prefer to dress like Audrey Hepburn… Madonna lovers can revel in acid bright in the ’80s department… Kate Moss wannabes can sift through ’90s-inspired clothes.

Image Source: Saks Fifth Avenue

I told you orange would be one of spring’s ‘it’ colors. Delicious citrus hues!

It’s more versatile than you think too! It’s brilliant with neutrals - think about that taupe and red combo you love, just sub the red with orange.

And for a great way to move it into your wardrobe this Banana Republic Orange Lady Coat (yes, that’s its name) is a great little find. Pair it with this sleeveless geo-print and you’re super hip.

This Flatiron satchel is lizard-embossed and in persimmon it’s another orange dash to your wardrobe. But wearing this purse with the jacket might be a bit much.