In the last year, H&M has been improving its quality, and subsequently increasing its prices. One of these efforts is the seasonal designer collaboration. The recent collection, launched November 23, is that of Lanvin.

Don't bother heading to an H&M to snag a look from an H&M designer collaboration unless you arrive early in the morning on the launch date...or so I was told. While perusing the H&M racks on Thursday, Dec. 2, I spotted many Lanvin collection dresses. Either H&M has solved the problem of selling out with an increase in inventory or the collection has been poorly received.

I received a surprise birthday envelope in the mail from Anthropologie. Not only was I gifted with a 15% off card valid for my entire birthday month, but also while taking out the attached birthday candle, a thread and clasp appeared and—voila—a necklace!

Working at a family-owned clock shop, jewelry designer Robin Wiess discovered a raw talent and passion for assembling metal. After attending art school and teaching, Chicago-native Wiess hatched Robin Lynn Designs. Now, after a little more than a year, she has four collections, each handcrafted and inspired by her life interactions with art and people, including: Wisdom By Nature (creatures she treasures like the butterfly, see-hear-speak no evil monkey, wise owl, dove and ancient fish); 101 Hearts (heart necklaces and cuffs with accompanied hand-typed love note straight from a 1914 typewriter); Rocker Chic (rock ‘n rock themed pieces with sculls and hearts); and Zodiac (made with zodiac molds from the 1800/1900s). Priced from $150 – 700, these sterling silver gems are either plated with rose or 24-karat gold, or oxidized to create a worn look.