Talk about novelty British fashion…
avatar

UK better department store chain, John Lewis, introduced a new fashion item today and it's not what you would expect! But it's par for the course when you happen to be both beautiful AND a member of a royal family. Kate Middelton, aka Catherine, Dutchess of Cambridge is the cartoonish subject of a new fashion-oriented book. This one may not win many literary awards, but it may very well outsell most of those Pulitzer Prize-winning tomes. The Dress Up Kate sticker book lets you style the Dutchess yourself, from an assortment of more than 350 outfits and accessories stickers. You … Continue reading

Novelty & Designer Key Rings
avatar

Keyrings are those accessories which some people think little of, opting for some bland,  non-descript ring simply to keep their keys attached to each other. Some people love to collect keyrings when they go on holiday or to a special event and want to be reminded of the enjoyment it provided. Still others look at keyrings as a true fashion accessory, a reflection of his or her own personal style and taste. The keyring is one of those accessories that gets used almost every single day. Unlike an umbrella or sunglasses, a key ring is used whether it is rainy … Continue reading

Summer 2012 Sunglasses: Making a Statement
avatar

For years I refused to buy designer sunglasses. My habit of losing or breaking them just did not support making any larger of an investment in these accessories. But over the years, I developed not only an appreciation of designer sunglasses, but an understanding of the sophistication and glamor they have the ability to convey. The fashion trend of statement sunglasses continues to grow, as does the acceptability of more comtemporary, bolder-styled sunglasses, for both men and women. Hollywood has certainly played a role in this growth, not so much on-screen as off. Celebrities are rarely caught by paparazzi not … Continue reading

Amazon’s push into the designer market
avatar

Last week, Amazon was the corporate co-sponsor of the black tie Costume Institute gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The move is a continued indication that Amazon views the designer fashion market as one it wants to conquer to add to its growth. After only 16 years in existence, Amazon is one of the largest companies in the world, with sales in excess of $46 billion. And its growth has not slowed. It is projected that Amazon will pass $100 billion in anuual sales by 2015 and may catch the world's largest retailer, Walmart, in … Continue reading

10 Incredible Mens & Womens Watch Bargains
avatar

H2H went shopping in the Amazon US and UK Watch Outlets and we came up with 10 incredible bargains for both men and women. Both retailers ship internationally.  With Mother's Day and Father's Day coming up, these make the perfect gifts. And don't forget to pick one up for yourself. At these prices, they are too good to pass up! Mens watches are items #1 to 10, Ladies watches are items #11 to 20. Amazon US prices are in U.S. dollars. Amazon UK prices are in British pounds. 1- Skagen black and gold watch with black leather band SRP $145 … Continue reading

Who Owns Who in the Fashion Industry?
avatar

Yesterday's announcement that the Wolverine corporation (owner of brands such as CAT Footwear, Harley Davidson Footwear, Hush Puppies, Merrell and Sebago) is purchasing the Collective Brands corporation (owner of the Payless Shoe Source store chain and  footwear brands Striderite, Keds, Sperry Topsider and Saucony), provides the perfect backdrop for this article.  The age-old adage, the big keep getting bigger and the small ______ (you can substitute your own words/s for the second part, since over the years I've heard it finished with multiple endings like the small keep getting smaller, the small go out of business, etc.), is as true today as it … Continue reading

Mother’s Day is coming up…
avatar

Mother's Day 2012 is not very far off. There's no better day of the year for expressing the love and appreciation for one's own mother, as well as for those other moms in our lives. H2H has some recommendations for some affordable Mother's Day gifts which not only show that appreciation, but are fashionable and current. All of these gifts are available from retailers in the H2H International Online Shopping Mall. Most of our retailers have Mother's Day gift guides, so if none of these are to your liking, there is a vast assortment available in our mall shops. 1- … Continue reading

Canada in the house: Michael Buble in concert
avatar

Last night I was lucky enough to take in the Michael Buble concert at Ahoy in Rotterdam. For those not familiar with the 36-year old Canadian singer, he has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. His music is big band jazz at its core, but also crosses over into country and pop, at times. This is the second time I have seen Michael Buble in concert, and the first time in Holland. During the summer of 2003, I attended a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, in Los Angles, California. He shared the bill with Broadway and screen legend Carol … Continue reading

Do you have your orange outfit for Queens Day?
avatar

Queens Day in the Netherlands is a meer few days off. It is the most celebrated national holiday of the year. It is also the biggest day of the year for the color orange, the Dutch national color. When living in the Netherlands, orange becomes synonymous with all things Dutch. This relationship began in the 1500's when William, Prince of Orange, left his position working with the regional Spanish forces that governed the Netherlands at the time, and joined the growing uprising against Spanish rule. This sparked the beginning of the Eighty Years War. Prince William became leader of the … Continue reading

Mens 2012 Fashion Trend: Summer on the Cape
avatar

The men's Spring/Summer 2012 fashion trend we call Summer on the Cape, is borne from the timeless classic preppy look with a splash of nautical. Blues from across the entire palette are highly represented; from soft, pastel sky blue and rich royal tones through washed indigo and true navy. Additionally pink, green, red and bone are core colors in the Summer on the Cape trend. Plaids, checks and gingham patterns are most notable in woven tops, swim and shorts. Canvas footwear and boat shoes explode during the spring/summer season with modern takes on classic silhouettes. Laceless slipon boat shoes and … Continue reading

London 2012: the other big event
avatar

2012 is certainly a big year for London. The city has been preparing for years for its biggest event, hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics. But before that takes place, another large celebration happens, the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.  It has been 60 years since Elizabeth ascended to the throne upon the death of her father, King George V in 1952. Her reign as queen is second longest in the history of Great Britain; Queen Victoria's 62.5 year reign has been the longest. Queen Elizabeth's only sibling is Princess Margaret, born four years after Elizabeth in 1930. Queen … Continue reading

Madonna: a new CD, fragrance and tour
avatar

Following an extended period out of the Hollywood limelight and off the press' radar, during which time she was writing and directing her first film, Madonna is back with a vengeance in 2012.  At the beginning of February, Madonna performed at the Super Bowl during halftime. Reuters reported that the telecast was seen by 111.3 million viewers, setting a record for the largest American TV audience for a single broadcast. For Madonna, it was a  performance timed to put her back in front of the American public before the March 26th release of her first studio album in four years, MDNA. … Continue reading

Special Occasion & Prom Dresses
avatar

Mid to late Spring is always a busy time in fashion boutiques and dress shops. Proms, formals and other special events start filling the calendar. No matter what your personal preference is in dresses, the Spring 2012 offering has something for everybody. From shorter cocktail dresses to maxis and gowns, you'll love the selection of brights, neutrals, metallics, prints and the go-to standard for any special event, black.  Many of our retailers offer fashion tips on prom and occasion dressing, such as Nordstrom, John Lewis, Macys, Debenhams, Forever 21, Littlewoods and Miss Selfridge. Additionally, at retailers like What A Beautiful Life, which … Continue reading

2 Comments

Jigsaw Adds Mens Clothing
avatar

The British-based brand Jigsaw, a fixture on the fashion scene since 1972, launched a new men's clothing and accessories collection last month. The men's Jigsaw collecton's styling stays true to the brand's core value of offering on trend merchandise which compliments its timeless, classic wardrobe basics. Jigsaw uses high-quality fabrics and puts special attention on finish and detail. But they also keep a constant eye on the retail price, so that at the end of the day, they are offering a product that has built-in value for the customer. Jigsaw, owned by Robinson Webster Holdings, is distributed through its own … Continue reading

New H2H Shops: Event Ticketers
avatar

The H2H International Online Shopping Mall continues to expand the offerings of products and services by adding not one but four online European ticketing shops for concert, dance, theatre and sporting events happening in the UK, Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and across Europe. World Ticket Shop, 4AllTickets, Online Ticket Shop and Budget Ticket offer access to the absolute hottest tickets in town…or country or continent for that matter.  2012 is stacking up to be one of the most memorable years when it comes to concert tours. At the end of 2011, analysts were already predicting that 2012 has the potential … Continue reading