During my last trip to Kohl's, I made my way to the shoe department to check out the latest from the LC Lauren Conrad collection. I have to be honest, the shoes in this collection are really hit or miss. The tall brown boots, for example, have a crazy high platform that make them impractical for most situations and considering they're not even real leather, they're way overpriced even on sale. The leopard flats, however, for just $18 and change are cute and a good find. A pair of black suede platform pumps looked nice but for the quality, you could do just as well at Target or Payless. I don't mean to sound harsh but I think Kohl's could really work on their shoes and handbags - either improve quality or lower prices. Otherwise, you can do better shopping places like the Marshalls Shoe Megashop or DSW, or brands like Steve Madden and Nine West that offer better quality and better prices. That isn't to say I won't be back - every once in a while, Kohl's delivers something uniquely chic in the shoe department (Simply Vera Vera Wang usually has a couple pairs that speak to me), and with my coupons and Kohl's cash in hand, I might just buy a pair.

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LC Lauren Conrad shoe

I ducked into Kohl's yesterday to check out the latest from the LC Lauren Conrad line, and wow, the store was crazy busy and the racks were super full. The reason, no doubt, is that the holidays are almost here and Kohl's was having a big sale (when are they not?). All the LC stuff was 60% off, knocking the prices down to between $14.40 and $30.40. Nice. I was too lazy to un-bundle and try stuff on, so just trust me when I say that a lot of these pieces looked better in real life than they do in my photos. A black and nude lace-print dress would look amazing for holiday parties, as would a satiny, floral print flowy top, pair that with skinny jeans and heels and you're set for a casual night out. The main attraction, however, had to be the colored cords, I must go back and get a pair in both eggplant and terracotta - great dupe for those J Brand jeans so popular this season. What stands out for you this month?

Earlier this month, I had the chance to preview the Dragon Tattoo Collection by Trish Summerville at the H&M showroom in New York City, a collection you'll be able to shop starting December 14th at stores near you. Marked by leather jackets, leather pants, ripped tees, distressed denim and deconstructed hoodies, this special limited-edition collection created by Trish Summerville, costume designer of the movie "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", celebrates the unique style of the film's anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander. Before you write it off as too edgy, check out how these LA bloggers over at ThinkThruFashion incorporated pieces from the collection into their own wardrobe for cool, totally wearable looks. Love! Browse my photos to see how these garments look on the rack, then head to hm.com/dragon-tattoo to see the lookbook and pricing.

Earlier today I went on a little recon mission to TJ Maxx to check out their holiday gift offerings, and ladies, there is literally something for everyone on your list. It was obvious to me within a few moments of browsing the store that inventory is way up. We always hear how TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores receive 10,000 new items each week but sometimes it doesn't seem that way to shoppers. Not so on today's trip. I was just there a week ago and today it felt like a new store. There were festive decorations, curated little endcap displays and special gift displays set up throughout the store - and I do not live in an upscale area, so if my store looks this good, I know your local store has to have something going on, too. Maybe it's because it was a Monday morning, but all the shelves were full, from the gourmet food section to the toy section to the beauty department. With a $50 giftcard in hand courtesy of TJ Maxx, I set out to find the best gifts under $50 for everyone on my list. Hopefully you'll get a few good ideas, too, so keep reading to see what I discovered.

Above: For the decorista, consider a timeless silver tray for displaying jewelry or other trinkets ($24.99, compare at $50); a stylish jewelry stand ($12.99, compare at $25) or mirrored photo frame by Tahari Home ($9.99, compare at $16)

In case you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed yesterday that I stopped by the H&M showroom in NYC for the very first time to see what's new. I got to preview the Spring 2012 looks, which I will be sharing with you all shortly, but first, let's take a look at some of the highlights from the Holiday 2011 collection, ie., fashions you can shop right now! From a classic black and champagne color palette to bright gemstone hues, there was something for everyone and every occasion, whether it's a leather pencil skirt for the office holiday party or a slinky tassle-draped cocktail dress for a more formal fête. Keep reading for some of my favorite pieces that will probably make you swoon, like copper bow-embellished platform heels, a glamorous gold envelope clutch or the ombre sequin mini shown above which has New Year's Eve written all over it.