Style seekers around the country have been craving a TOPSHOP presence here in the states, and when it arrives it will be every hipster and boho goddess’s heaven on earth. Until then you should know that H&M is offering an extremely similar fashion palette these days..

H&M has always been known to have inexpensive, on trend designs that won’t last a lifetime, as well as a source that provides ideal pieces for last minute fashion emergencies. We love H&M for that, but the newly vibrant store seems to have woken up from a looong nap with a completely new, and very TOPSHOP-like image. I discovered this when I strolled into H&M not expecting to find anything aside from the overstuffed racks, ill-fitting jeans, polyester sweaters that we love until they pill, basic tee-shirts, and lingerie for those blessed with the Barbie physique. However, I was immediately shocked as I reached for cascading ruffled blouses, fabulously contoured dresses and vests, empire waist coats and oh-so-over the top fabulous sweaters, tees, tanks and tartan high-waist skirts.

People, we have a lot to think about here - where will you be shopping? Take a look at H&M and let us know if you think their current image is similar to their rival’s. While TOPSHOP is offering Americans European styles, online shopping and a Kate Moss line, H&M prices are much lower and stores are located everywhere. What’s your pick? Are you going to hike to Broadway and Broome, stay loyal to our old friend, H&M, or mix it all up like a true fashionista?

True, it’s only September but the Holidays will be here before you know it. You’re going to be doing some serious shopping. This year go prepared, and ready to scour the stores. You certainly don’t want aching feet or uncomfortable clothing to slow you down. Here are some tips on how to shop comfortably and in style.

Seamless underwear. Go with seamless panties to avoid any treacherous panty lines. Your backside will look beautiful in any clingy dress or snug pair of jeans you try. Also, wear a bra that you would normally wear with whatever type of clothing you’re shopping for. It might even be a smart move to bring another bra for those strapless or racer back tops.

The ideal one piece garment. Keeping in mind that you will take your clothes off at the beck and call of every cute garment you spot in the stores, you should select a ’shopping outfit’ that is nice and simple! These dresses will easily slip on and off, they have no buckles, straps, or complicated layers, and they never require tucking in, cinching, tying or adjusting.

Comfortable shoes. Wear a pair of shoes that will be comfortable for the entire day, and more importantly a pair that slips on and off with ease! They should also compliment the clothing you will be trying on. You can’t go wrong with a simple sandal, ballet flat, or clogs that have a bit of a heel. Stay away from those ultra high, uncomfortable wedges that you just purchased and definitely don’t go for the stilettos that will maybe, possibly, probably give you a huge blister - if your feet aren’t happy, shopping will not be fun!

Every store you come across right now is having a major sale. I recently walked through one of the high end department stores, and it looked like it had been ransacked by thieves. There were racks and racks of messy clothing strewn throughout the store. Even the Chanel sale rack was a wreck. Who’s going to buy a Chanel dress (even on sale is $2300.00) that is stuffed onto a rack without any care for the article of clothing? The shoe department looked like a garbage truck had dumped piles of Choo’s and Manolo’s all over the place. It took my breath away, and I was completely turned off by the state of chaos. I’m not usually one to shy away from a sale, but there was a sense of desperation that was lacking in earlier years. It’s obviously a representation of the state of our economy, but I think the retail stores have it all wrong. If they really want to sell the merchandise, then they should do a better job with the presentation. Maybe they should hold back the pre-fall collections, and properly display the summer sale merchandise. That way, they may actually unload more and still provide the customer with a good shopping experience. What have you experienced in stores lately?