Hennes

I used to work retail for H&M and although it was great coming right out of college, I'll admit that I was surprised by the quality of their clothes even when I was getting them practically for free. Since moving to the Bay Area, I've mostly shopped at thrift stores, online or occasionally at J.Crew. So imagine my surprise when I went into H&M for the first time in almost a year and found out that not only had the quality gone up but the new fall collection was packed with pieces that are wearable with interesting design details.

The Runways: Herve Leger

At New York Fashion Week this fall, Herve Leger by Max Azaria showed an innovative take on the classic bandage dress with outfits that were form-fitting and featured cutouts and intricate detailing on a variety of fabrics. My two favorite outfits are featured below. The first is a black leather dress with lattice-like cutouts that reminds me of a Moroccan lamp (in a good way). The second is a form-fitting, metallic bandage dress which looks nearly sheer. What they lack subtly, they make up for in a demure length and cut.

Skins Style: Effy Stonem

Effy Stonem is the resident fashion maven of Skins. Even at her most bedraggled, she carries off an easy, "I-just-woke-up-looking-this-stylish" air that matches her mystery. Effy's a tortured soul whose character is articulated through her clothing. Generally, distressed or deconstructed, Effy's uniform consists of simple shift dresses, a bounty of statement necklaces and a forearm filled with bangles paired with combat boots.