'+J returns to Uniqlo'

Looks like Jil Sander and Uniqlo are at it again.

Following the success of the Uniqlo +J Fall/Winter Collection, it was announced two days ago that there will be another +J capsule collection set to launch later this month!

The Spring/Summer Collection will debut December 23 in stores in Japan and Asia. The collection is slated for January 7 in the United Kingdom; January 14 in the United States; and January 20 in France.

What can we expect to see this second time around?

More of the sleek tailoring and modern details that make German designer Jil Sander a favorite among customers. According to Uniqlo, the Spring-Summer collection “introduces fresh perspectives on volume, teamed with perfect harmony in fiber, color, optics and touch.”

The upcoming collection of shirts, jackets, knitwear and other items in new whites and pastel shades will likely play with proportion and include subtle detailing. The basics will again likely serve as wardrobe essentials, but with a modern aesthetic to update any wardrobe.

Prices will range from $22 for a T-shirt to about $170 for a coat.

The spring advertising campaign with models Iselin Steiro and Benoni Loos, to launch later this month, will let us have our first sneak peak at the collection.

The first +J Collection debuted in stores last October, drawing tons of shoppers. Many lined up outside stores for a chance to buy the affordable cashmere sweaters, stretch shirts, wool trousers and reversible down jackets in classic colors like navy, white, gray and black.

Unchanging from its mission statement that perhaps contributed to its success, the +J collection believes: “Luxury will be simplicity. Purity in design, beauty and comfort for all. Quality for the people. Basics are the common language.”

I can't wait.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of Fall-Winter +J Collection at Uniqlo

'Help Feed the World'

Meet activists Lauren Bush, 25, and Ellen Gustafson, 29, two young women (see above) helping to FEED the world.

By designing and selling eco-friendly burlap totes and backpacks, the co-founders of FEED Projects have raised over $5 million for the UN World Food Program – providing more than 50 million school meals to children in underdeveloped countries.

The FEED Kenya bag, sold at Bergdorf Goodman (below) for $195, is made with traditional Masai fabric and hand-beaded by Kenyan women and deaf artisans. Each bag has its own FEED stamp and numerical insignia, symbolizing how many mouths will be fed because of you and FEED Projects’ efforts.

There are also pouches, bracelets and teddy bears made of organic cotton and burlap whose purchase helps to buy a high-nutrient paste for children under ages 5.

The burlap bags were inspired by the bags of grain and other food rations being distributed by the UN World Food Program. This is how the two met – Bush, model and niece of former President George W. Bush, was an honorary spokesperson at the UN World Food Program and Columbia alum Gustafson was working there.

Since Bush and Gustafson launched Feed Projects in 2007, the pair has successfully wooed the fashion industry. The humanitarians can be found everywhere, from major launch parties in New York to serving meals in African to young children.

Want your own FEED bag? The humanitarian line of bags and gift items can be found at Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Bobbi Brown cosmetics and a host of other locations.

In an interview with stylecaster.com , Gustafson recently stated that Kenneth Cole will carry a FEED Health backpack to benefit Community Health Workers in Africa. Barnes &Noble totes will fund school meals and language books to children in Nepal.

If the two women don’t inspire you think of ways you might be able to give back, then I hope it makes you consider purchasing a FEED bag or a lovely teddy - a gift that gives back.

Not many gifts can say they do that.

-S. Gonzalez

P.S. check out this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxAFaRXxyCA

'Going, Going, Gone'

These sale items are going, going, almost gone! Find out what all the fuss is about at Décor Innovation with this hot ticket list:

Save $30

Pure. Natural. Organic. Why can’t our baby purchases be more like our babies? Well, they can. OCIA Certified Organic features a line of baby products that are 100% natural, made of organically grown cotton and free of all chemicals used during typical manufacturing products.

This means that every product is guaranteed to provide your baby (or someone else’s) with the most comfort and least likely to cause their sensitive skin irritation.

Can’t go wrong with this mattress baby set of 2 if you’re looking to give a baby gift that unlike clothes, will not outgrow the baby every couple of months. While you’re at it, invest in a waterproof blanket to protect the crib mattress - marked down $8.62 from the original price (now $21.37).

Save $25

Do you have an elderly family member that needs their rest? Or is there a doctor in the family, someone who sleeps odd hours during the day? Do you have a college student or infant living in your home? A blackout curtain might just be what they need this holiday.

Blackout curtains will be sure to not only block out the sun, but reduce outside noise that might be interfering with your loved one’s sleep. This zebra stripe curtain (2 for $64.99) has a diagonal strip pattern that adds texture and personality to these curtains, complete with rod pockets and back tabs (for however you like to drape your curtains).

Pair the blackout curtain – available in burgundy, olive, sky blue and other shades – with a sheer voile curtain in white to complete the window treatment. Your friends and family will thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Save $10

Turn the lights down low with these light jade ceramic tealight candle set. The set ($24.99) comes with three ceramic candle holders, a black wooden tray, 3 flower tealights in jade and pebbles.

What you see when the candles are unlit are the three holders in white. But when the unscented candles are lit, the light from the candles illuminates the holders – creating this soothing jade glow (see above).

Place this candle set on your dining room table, as a centerpiece in the living room, or anywhere else that could benefit from a bit of spark.

-S. Gonzalez