Recently in KMart Category

KMart really hit the 'smart' style mark with these chic and very affordable head-to-toe looks for fall. Whether we are in a recession or not, we don't have to really spend that much to be trendy or stylish. It is all about self-expression through fashion. When I first saw these looks, I have to admit I was very impressed with KMart's Design Team. Their designs are what's in and very now! KMart's fall collection shows that the team really put a lot of thought and hard work into each piece.

This classic swing jacket and pencil skirt look (shown above) is definitely my favorite. Love the texture and color of the jacket and skirt. Pairing it with Mary Janes gives the look a youthful, polish, feminine and chic feel. The best part about this look is the price, under $100! Simply fabulous!

You can create a variety of looks combining pieces from KMart's Fall Collection from day wear to evening, the possibilities are endless. And as an added bonus, KMart will send you a $25 gift card by mail with every $50 purchase! A great promotion to help you save for your fall wardrobe. To learn more about this promotion visit condenast.com/kmart. KMart gets The Smart Stylist's approval for knowing how to look trendy and stylish the smart way!


Jaclyn Smith Tweed Jacket $34.99, Pencil Skirt $29.99, Attention Mary Jane $16.99

Aside from fashion, interior decorating is my other passion. Being an interior designer, I am the 'go-to' guy when questions or help arise amongst family and friends with their home decor. A couple of days ago, my aunt asked me to assist her with my cousin's dorm room. He will be a freshman this fall at Michigan State University.

With them living in Michigan and I'm in Texas, I did my consultations over the phone. A few phone calls later, I have a description of my cousin's dorm room, what his likes and dislikes are, any existing items he will be taking with him, and a budget of $500. My aunt told me the budget shouldn't be a challenge since I pride myself as the prince of 'smart styling' and 'smart' shopping'.

Asymmetrical Rug $17.99, Microfiber Dot Stripe Reversible Mini Comforter Set $24.99, Cannon Zero Twist Bath Towel $5.99, Jersey Knit Sheet Set XL Twin $14.99.

After attending the Inaugural Home Design Summit hosted by Sears Holding Corporation last week in Chicago, me and other bloggers were given a preview on what's in store for back-to-school and experienced a day in the life of a KMart Design Team member, I know just where to shop for stylish, affordable and top quality merchandise for my cousin's dorm room, KMart and Sears.


I started the project shopping at our local Sears store and online at KMart.com. I divided my cousins needs into three categories: sleep, eat and study. I found a Kenmore microwave for $89.99 and a very useful 2-in-1 Hamilton Beach toaster for $44.99 (both shown below) at Sears. I figured invest on items that will get a lot of use.

If you have or a first time shopper on KMart.com, it can be overwhelming. To make your back-to-school shopping easy, simply go to Back to Campus 09 a section dedicated to everything back-to-school. A very nifty tool is the online checklist which I asked my aunt to fill out for me so I would know what my cousin needs for his dorm room. With checklist on hand, I was ready to shop!

Quality was the most important factor I had in mind when I was shopping. Make sure that they last for more than one semester. My cousin's personal style played a big role when choosing his computer desk, comforter set and decorative pieces. He wanted modern, cool and age appropriate. Knowing his favorite colors, I showed him a modern yet transitional designed comforter set and area rug (shown above) which he liked.

So, did I meet the challenge of creating a functional, hip and trendy dorm room for my cousin? Sure did! And the total cost for the room is... $453.19! My aunt was elated when I told her I was well under the budget and liked everything I pulled together.

Homz Ironing Board $20.39, Cover and Pad $7.49, Euro-Pro Shark Mini Iron $39.99, 50 Piece Flatware Set $11.24, 16-Piece Dinnerware Set $13.49, Kenmore Countertop Microwave $89.99, Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster $44.99.

*I would like to thank the KMart Design Team specially Theresa (Chief Design Officer), Rick, Chris, Esther, Miller and Elba. Jemini for taking really good care of us in Chicago and in our travel. Jeff and members of KMart Social Media Team. And to everyone who made the design summit happen, Thank you very much!

Also, to all the fabulous bloggers I met during the summit my best wishes!

Stacy Mom Central Christine From Dates to Diapers Felicia Go Graham Go Piera Jolly Mom Gabriel Design Mom Amanda Mommy Mandy Louise Mom Start Esther Faint Star Lite

Erica 5 Minutes for Mom Jennifer The Mom Salon Lori A Cowboy's Wife Stephanie Adventures in Baby Wearing Liz Cool Mom Picks Janel Apartment Therapy Miranda Keeper of the Cheerios Tanya Mommy Goggles

With the economy's slow pace to recovery, a lot smart shoppers are made everyday. Squeezing and stretching the ole mighty dollar. Smart shopping is not just finding the best deals in town. It involves skill and the passion for looking fabulous. Smart shoppers are not necessarily bargain shoppers. They have a keener eye, a more developed fashion sense.

I put together a couple of looks shopping at kmart.com. I had so much fun doing and decided to put my fashion savvy friends to the test. I sent them photos of the head-to-toe looks I came up with and asked them to guess the total cost for each look. The responses were interesting. And as expected nobody came close. The average price they guessed was $250!

When I told them the price tag of each look was under $60 and the pieces are from KMart, they just can't believe it. Both looks are chic and trendy. I particularly love the kimono dress (shown above). The tribal inspired print and bold colors are perfect for summer. It is quite versatile, it can function as a tunic as well.


The smart and stylish fashion apparel, shoes and accessories are made possible by KMart's design team. I've always wondered what is it like to be part of the creative process in creating designs for big-box retailers like KMart.

My curiosity was answered when I was informed about the recently launched kmartdesign.com. A new initiative by the KMart design team to inform shoppers and fashion lovers alike of the great quality and value on every product we buy at KMart. The site offers a behind-the-scenes look on the evolution of each collection. From the designer's creative minds to racks in every KMart store. One thing that really impressed me the most is there are about 250 designers  composing the design team. And with a team that size doesn't guarantee a smooth ride. Series of documentary-style videos are made available chronicling the design team's endeavors. Which I totally enjoyed watching. Jacklyn Smith even made a cameo on one of the videos!

Here is one of the videos featuring members of the design team. You can view more videos at kmartdesign.com.