Most people know that a White Sale features awesome discounts on sheets, towels, and home textiles of every stripe. But why is it called a White Sale, and who coined the phrase?

The short answer is John Wanamaker, a pioneering PA storeowner who held the first ever White Sale in January 1878, a time when home textiles only came in white. They say that he created the sale to help keep linen makers busy through the slow season. (If you’re interested in retail history I recommend looking him up. His resume is loaded with firsts in the industry.)

One hundred and thirty years later, the White Sale is still going strong. And fortunately we’ve come a long way from the all-white linen closet. We can choose from nearly every color or pattern imaginable, in fabrics that range from humble percale and flannel, to luxurious satin and micro-fiber, to earth-friendly hemp and bamboo. And bath towels and rugs have gone international, made with cottons from Turkey and Egypt.

Mervyns doesn’t call its bed and bath events "White Sale," but you’ll still find great deals on everything you need to refresh and replenish your linen closet.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a tea party-—nothing fancy, just a little potluck with close friends. The hostess even dusted off her wedding china and served tea in the prettiest cups and saucers—-flowered and dainty, yes, but lots of retro appeal. I’m not fussy and would drink tea out of a soup bowl if I didn’t have a clean glass, but taking the time to steep and serve it in a pretty cup made the day even lovelier.

As I was sitting there with my friends, thinking of how to make that "sip and savor" feeling last longer, it hit me: You could capture a taste of your last vacation or dinner out with your sweetheart even if you’re slugging through a mundane Monday or madly microwaving leftovers as you get the family ready for after-school or evening commitments. The key is a special cup to take you out of the everyday into the sublime, if only for a minute.

Busy moms, dads, and working folk of the world, you deserve something special-—graceful stemware, cut-glass tumblers, or pints emblazoned with your favorite team’s logo. Then raise a glass and toast yourself for making it through another workday, the kids’ soccer practice, and three loads of laundry.

Pencils. Paper. Binders. Backpacks. Laptops. Lunch sacks. Now that the kids are back in school, you can shop for you. Number 1. Numero uno. Toss out the list. Take the blinders off. Let yourself wander through the store and see where your whim takes you. It is fall after all, the perfect time to take a chance on change.

Stroll through the Shoe department and you’ll find great Mary Jane pumps, ankle boots, and updated oxfords—the perfect accompaniments to this season’s suiting. Feeling a little daring? Step it up with a pair of racy high-heeled gladiator sandals. At these prices, you can have them all.

Next, mosey over to Women’s Sportswear. Cute cardigans in black, white, and jewel tones leave you longing for cooler temperatures to come. Then grab a big bag with buckles to match. If you start to feel a little self-indulgent, spend a moment or two in the Men’s department and pick a great tie for him.

So, get out there. Treat yourself to something different. You just might find that change becomes you.

With the wind in my hair and the summer at my back, I'm set to ride into fall boot season. Let me just say I love all boots equally: the tall ones, the short ones, the suedes, the velvets, the leathers... And I'm chomping at the bit to add another pair to my wardrobe.

I consult my wallet. It says, "Whoa there, little filly."

How's a gal like me supposed to pony up for boots in lean times like these? Well, I've had a sneak-peek into Mervyns' shoe closet, and the season's coming boot selection is more attractive than ever, yet still the same great price.

There are these perfect dove-gray round-toe sueded booties. And these totally punk, black patent ankle boots that fold down to reveal cozy, contrasting plaid lining. Then there's this totally retro knee-high pair equipped with straps and an equestrienne buckle...

At least I won't have to feel bad about pulling the trigger.

It’s a common bit in many comedians’ routines: why do women need so many pillows. Oh, that’s so funny! That’s so original! That’s so…whatever. We women have lots of pillows because we understand that each one has its own special role.

Watching a Gossip Girl marathon in bed? Prop a firm toss pillow behind you for support. Extra guests in your study group? Euroshams to the rescue with instant floor seating. Getting neck, shoulder, and arm fatigue from marathon reading sessions? A roll pillow in your lap will support your arms and books, relieving the strain. Laptop doesn’t sit right on your lap? A firm bed pillow may be just the thing you need to balance your notebook while you’re sending hugs to all of your Facebook friends. And that’s just what you can do with a small pillow. Body pillows can be used as bolsters to turn your twin bed into a day bed, are always there for you if you need to have a cry, and are just the right size for snuggling up with. And in a pillow fight, a body pillow is your bazooka.

There’s a perfect pillow for everyone, whether you’re back, side, or stomach sleeper, a firm fan or soft supporter, an allergy sufferer, a diva, or somewhere in between. Promote your passion for pillows at Mervyns.

School is always cool, but what looks smart depends on whom you're talking to.

Academic Preppy: Many schools require uniforms, so it’s great that the bad rap and rep of yesteryear’s uniforms is no more. And with preppy back en vogue, you may want to wear a uniform even if you aren't required to.

Basics with a Twist: Every school year, you know that a backpack, jeans, and tees are must-haves. But what's new is unlimited evolutions of these back-to-school basics: bold patterns & prints, embellished/distressed details, and radically screened graphics.

Creative Cool: Don't wait for Halloween to try on a new persona. Reinvent yourself as a rock star in distressed denim, bust out as a hip-hopster in Southpole®, or get some street cred with a "surf-n-turf" look (surf/skate).

You declare your style many ways. The words you say, the things you do, and the clothes you wear all help tell your story. And there’s one accessory you carry every day that speaks volumes—your backpack.

So what does your backpack say about you? It starts with the outside. Do you haul flowers, butterflies, or skulls? Is it brightly colored or softly subdued. Do you cover your pack with patches, stickers, and written messages? Or is it perfectly clean and kempt?

And what about the inside? Are books, binders, paper, and pens strewn about, or does everything have a space and place? Is there a 3-day-old sandwich science experiment leaking through the bottom?

So take a look at your backpack. And ask yourself if it clearly communicates who you are. Or at least who you want the world to see. You might be surprised.

Normally, when it comes to jewelry and accessories I’m a die-hard die-cast silver buff. But lately I’ve been carrying a torch for gold. And with the 2008 Olympic Games going on right now, nothing seems more worth going for.

Used as a medium of exchange since prehistoric times, today’s necklace of champions is less precious, more powerful. Whether you’re rockin’ the real thing or opting for a less costly fashion piece, glittering gold is especially great for making even the simplest outfit a winner.

Do keep in mind that the trend works best when you wear big pieces in small doses. My wish list includes thick cuff bracelets, long layered necklaces, metallic flats, and tees and tanks splashed with flashy filigree screen prints.

You’re off to school, finally on your own. Making your own rules and doing what you want, when you want. Well, except for that bit about sharing your dorm with a stranger or two. You have little privacy or space of your own, and the constant togetherness can make you crave your old room, annoying siblings and all. You can make the transition easier if you get there ready to claim your space and make it your own.

Start with some bedding you love as your anchor pieces. Then pick accessories to match. I love this new bedding called Mix & Match & More that comes in bright, coordinating colors and modern patterns—it’s really easy to put together your own look. Next, you’ll want a good reading lamp, a throw for all-night study sessions, and plenty of baskets and boxes to store your school supplies. Strings of lights add a touch of fun and whimsy. And a fabric shower curtain is perfect for staking out a little private space in your bottom bunk. With just a few “uniquely you” accessories, your room will be a warm, welcoming, restful place after a long day of classes or ultimate frisbee. Before you know it, the semester will be over, you and those roommates will be BFFs, and you’ll deny having ever called your mom at midnight just to hear her voice.

Maybe it’s because it’s July. Or maybe it’s because I just got back from a fabulous trip overseas. But lately I’ve been thinking about things you declare. You declare your independence. Your major. Your foreign treasures. Your love. And with school starting back up in a month, what really stands out is the opportunity to declare your style.

So how do you declare your style? It might be with the clothes you wear. Are you a rocker in skinny jeans and graphic tees? A diva donning metallic accents? Or a surfer sporting camp shirts and cargos? Your look speaks volumes before you say a word, so turn it up!

Or maybe you declare your style through your activities. Do you sing? Dance? Skate? Volunteer? Let your actions do your talking. They speak louder than words, anyway.

Wanna declare your style to the world? Check out www.declareyourstyle.com.

Are you a Bargain Bragger? When someone says, “great jacket” do you reply, “thanks—only $9.99!” When you hear, “I love your shoes” do you say, “I got ‘em on a buy one get one free deal!” Me too. So I have to ask, why do we respond to compliments this way? Do we judge our worth by steals and deals?

The truth is, we love the sale. The bargain. The BOGO. The extra 20% off. We love it almost more than the product we’re actually buying. It’s not how much we spent. It’s how much we saved! We’re ecstatic when we get something great without paying full price. So we want to share it with the world. It’s much more satisfying than a simple, “thank you.” Don’t you agree?

Searching for the perfect summer head-turner? Step into Mervyns for the coolest new trends in jeans.

Blonde denim. Those of us who tend to the darker side can slash ourselves into black skinny or straight-leg styles—the perfect foil for summertime brights. Inky black jeans are super-chic when paired with a crisp metallic-stripe tank or tee.

Black denim. With 80s-inspired fashions firmly flat-ironed into place, it’s no shocker that super-light, über-bleached jeans are again spiking in popularity. Slouchy, shaggy boyfriend cuts make for low-key classics, while straight or skinny, totally bleached-out styles feel modern and clean.

Ice-wash denim. For our more experimental customers, the ice-wash jean is solidifying its status as a fashion must-have. While some of your toes may curl at the thought of frosted, others are embracing this look and even going so far as to add their own custom highlights with boldly splattered bleach.

The end of a vacation is one of the saddest events in life. It's tough to walk away from a bed made daily and the freedom to eat whatever piques your palate to return to a life of meetings, diets, and dirty dishes. Souvenirs, I'm learning, relieve the longing to return to the summer-break shangri-la by serving as fetishes on which to focus the ache. And while they can’t relieve the desire, they give you something to do with the feeling and remind you that you were happy once.

Having recently returned from Disneyland with no souvenirs, I slowly succumbed to a deep gnawing despair precipitated by a lack of pyrotechnic optical stimulation and deprivation of high-speed roller coasters. Fortunately, the Mervyns Disney Shop had a great selection of dolls, plushies, and playsets to restore me. Hardly the usual postcards, magnets, or antenna balls, my little kachina-like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty dolls sit cheerfully on my desk, always ready to help me transcend my cube and escape to the happiest place on earth.

I see it every summer. Hordes of women wandering aimlessly around the swimwear department sporting the fashionable "deer in the headlights" look. So here’s a little guide to help you choose the right cut for your curves.

Rectangle Shape (long, lean body with an undefined waist)
You want a swimsuit that defines your waistline. Two-piece suits with push-up or padded bras will make you look curvier. Choose printed patterns and avoid overly detailed designs.

Hourglass Shape (proportional shape with well-defined bust, waist, and hips)
Lucky you! You can wear any swimsuit style. Halter or triangle bikinis will show off your best features and keep you looking symmetrical. Choose a color that complements your skin tone and a style that suits your personality.

Round Womanly Shape (rounded body with weight around tummy)
If you have an overall rounded body shape, try a one-piece tummy control swimsuit in your favorite solid color. High cut legs will make your entire body look longer.

Apple Shape (broad shoulders with a narrow waist)
Choose a swimsuit with a high-cut neckline to minimize your top and emphasize your bottom. Tankinis will work wonders for you, especially a solid top and printed bottom.

Pear Shape (waist wider than shoulders with rounded hips)
Go with a one-piece boatneck or racerback swimsuit with tummy-control to create a balanced look. Two-piece suits with a halter-style top and a dark-color bottom (including boy shorts) are also a great choice.

Is it just me, or does Father's Day tend to get lost in the calendar? Mother's Day is a big deal and creates the majority of the years' flower and restaurant business. So why not surprise Dad this year with a truly thoughtful gift? Whether you’re a son, daughter, or mom helping the kids celebrate, a personal gift has a way of getting through to even the toughest of pops.

Whether he wears it or not, a tie is a great gift. And what man doesn't like a new dress shirt? Even better, pair a great tie with a coordinating shirt and help Dad take the guesswork out of getting dressed in the morning. Those hard-to-please dads are happiest with the basics like socks, underwear, and t-shirts. And if you'd like to really to spoil the ol' man, a new watch or set of cufflinks could complement dinner reservations at his favorite eatery. Of course, he'll wanna get the check—he can't help being a dad.

I’ve read the news, and it’s not good: Gas prices have been hitting record highs every day for nearly a month. Perhaps it’s time we put our best feet forward and hang up the driving gloves in favor of a good pair of walking or running shoes

Rubber, meet road. (Albeit in a more health- and wallet-conscious way.)

Mervyns offers athletic shoes aplenty, fit for the task of getting fit, from the brands you love and trust like New Balance, Nike, adidas, Reebok, Skechers, and more. And unless you drive a really small car, they’ll cost less than a full tank of fuel.

So stop pumping gas and start pumping your arms and legs in a new pair of athletic shoes.
The best news? No more spare tires.

Barbecue season is here! Wait, I don’t think you heard me… BARBECUE SEASON IS HERE!!! It’s that time of year when the menfolk take over the cooking duties. Time for big beefy ribs, dripping and sizzling over hot coals. The tantalizing smell of grilled meat permeating the neighborhood. Time for picking summer’s sweetest corn, and roasting it slowly in the husk until the kernels are near to bursting. Consider ditching the disposable cups and plates this year for sturdy, reusable serveware. Festive summer designs will help you set an appealing table that will save you money and won’t end up in a landfill after the pie is served.

And if you’re tired of treating his burned fingers year after year, why not treat him to a 19-piece barbecue tool set for Father’s Day? It comes in its own carrying case for easy travel to tailgate parties and family picnics. Plus, the long handles will keep his hands far from the flames. It makes a great gift for your favorite grillmaster on the go.

Fashion trends may come and go. But there’s one statement that never goes out of style—patriotism. And this summer is no different. Some of the season’s hottest styles are directly influenced by military uniforms and national symbols of freedom and valor.

Classic Americana designs are all the rage. Stars and stripes in red, white, and blue hues can be found on the beach, in the boardroom, and even in the home. Timeless. Wholesome. Liberating. There’s just something about this look that makes you crave a hot dog.

And I don’t think we’ll ever tire of military fatigues. Cargo shorts, patriotic tees, and dog tags as accessories are must-haves this summer. Army green and camouflage styling reminds us why we love a man, or a woman, in a uniform.

So this Memorial Day, wave a symbolic flag when you toss on those camo crops. And wear them with pride.

In spring, some people focus on cleaning. I focus on shopping. After all, it's the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe. Stores are stocked full of short-sleeve sweaters, darling dresses, and strappy sandals—all of my favorites. But ironically, the first thing I put on is the last thing I think about. I'm talking about underwear.

Why is it that these bottom basics don't get equal attention? Maybe it's because there's not much selection for us "non-thong" types. I like coverage. And support. But it seems that comfort and style don't always mix. Until now.

Cotton panties have come a long way. No longer nondescript, today's briefs offer an array of styles, colors, and patterns that are as cute as they are comfy. Boy shorts, bikinis, cheekies, hip huggers—pick the perfect fit for your form. And you don't have to wear white unless you want to. Match your bra, match your pants, or match your mood.

People travel from far and wide for our weather. They watch our TV and movies. They read volumes about our celebrities. And perhaps more than anything, they seek out our West coast style. From Levi’s and Vans to plaid shirts and surf tees, it seems to be everywhere you look these days. And all are bits of California culture: denim (1850s Gold Rush), plaid (1950s Hollywood), surf style (1960s Surfin' Safari), skate shoes (1970s Dogtown); the list goes on and on. Over the decades, Mervyns has been a stable destination for West Coast style. It’s where I find the looks I love, and whether you’re preppy, rad, gnarly, stoked, boss, or amped, chances are you will, too.

Mom’s birthday was last week, so I thought I’d bake her a cake. I gathered all the ingredients and gear—box, eggs, oil, bowl, pan—and set to pouring and cracking eggs. Midway through the eggs I started thinking ahead to the mixing. I had no mixer, so my only option for achieving the desired blended state was my trusty right arm. For those of you who haven’t experienced the pleasure of mixing batter by hand, I’ll tell you it’s not for the slight of shoulder. Incorporating the ingredients is easy, but smoothing out all the lumps requires some upper arm strength and marathon endurance. And by the time you’re done, your hand and arm ache so much that lifting the bowl to pour the batter into the pan requires a Herculean effort. It’s a wonder our grandmothers made cake at all.

Grandma may not have enjoyed the convenience of modern appliances, but at least Mom had a two-blade hand mixer. I’m fortunate enough to live in an age when stand mixers are affordable and eat up relatively little counter space. So I’ll be picking up a KitchenAid mixer with all the attachments. And with Mother’s Day fast approaching, I’ve solved the dilemma of what to get Mom, too. Hopefully she’ll be so moved by the good taste I inherited from her that she’ll thank me with a bounty of baked goods!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on all that my mom’s given me. Food, shelter, clothing, advice. And now that I’m an adult, I have the resources to give a little back. While she may not need food, shelter, or advice, as a woman, she always needs clothes. But which styles are right for mom?

Some believe that short skirts and high heels are off limits because moms should be role models for their children. Others think fashion shouldn’t be reflective of whether or not you’ve given birth. My opinion falls somewhere in between rowdy and dowdy.

Having kids doesn’t mean you can’t have style. This summer’s trends cross all ages, so mom can find popular styles that fit her right, right in her own department. Maybe I’ll treat my mom to some capris, a crisp white campshirt, and a trendy bag this Mother’s Day.

Last weekend’s sunshine inspired my domestic side to do a little gardening. I put down five kinds of hibiscus, three types of roses, and a trio of dwarf blueberries. Now I’m hovering over these poor little plants looking for buds, plucking dying leaves, and fighting off invading grasses. But I’m really just waiting for the flowers, trying to will them into existence with my obsessive ministrations.

I know it’s totally irrational, but I feel like they should be blooming already. I put them in the ground when I was supposed to, watered them as directed, and groomed them so they wouldn’t expend energy feeding dying leaves and shoots. (all three of which are darn healthy!) So why won’t they grow?

I want flowers. It’s spring, the days are getting longer, and I want buds in the living room. I want floating blossoms in the bathroom. I want roses in the bedrooms. So I’m splurging and buying some. Not fresh blooms—they won’t last long enough. Not fake flowers—they’ll need dusting. No, I’m buying a rose-printed bedding set to satisfy my flower jones. Lighter color schemes are so bright and fresh that I can almost sense a fragrance. And at the very least, I know I can’t smother them to death. Plus, the only “weeding” required will be brushing off the cat hair (and maybe a rogue sock or two).

From dresses to bikinis to bedding, eyelets are everywhere. And there's just something about this vintage look that says spring has sprung. This season's looks have come a long way from the prairie, though, with crisp fabrics and flirty styling. Short-sleeve eyelet tops pair perfectly with crops, while eyelet dresses flatter your figure with flowing skirts and attractive ruching. Best of all, you can wear these outfits anywhere from the office to brunch to picnics in the park. Add this look to your spring wardrobe and you’ll shine all season.

Ask any scientist, and she’ll tell you a star’s life is determined by its mass—the greater the mass, the shorter the life.

Ask any fashion insider, and he’ll tell you a star’s life is determined by its appeal to the masses—the greater the appeal, the shorter the life.

Now ask both of them about their Chuck Taylor® All Star® sneakers. Yes, the ones they’re both wearing right now.

Trends come and trends go, but “Chucks” are in everyone’s heart and on everyone’s feet. And with this month being Converse’s 100th anniversary, there’s no better time to consider the All Stars’ timeless and tireless charm.

The namesake of one of Converse’s most valuable players, basketball enthusiast, salesman, and brand evangelist Charles H. Taylor, the Chuck Taylor All Star is one of the most beloved shoes in history. With roots in subculture Rockabilly, punk, grunge, and emo music, today the All-Star is positively HUGE—wildly popular among all walks of life, and available in nearly every color, pattern, and texture imaginable.

We guys like to be boys, and nowhere is this more obvious than during springtime. A variegated display of new t-shirts, team sports apparel, and yes—backwards baseball caps marks the season. Here are a few things we guys may want to keep in mind when shopping this season.

New: make it new—try some things out, try to grab a trend, or try to personalize.

Sharp: make sure the clothes fit, the collar is defined, the material is fresh looking, and the shoes match the duds.

Rockin’ or hip-hoppin: what guy doesn’t benefit from some pop-music culture? From hair product application to premium denim styles, pop decides cool.

Put it all together: premium denim, fitted dress shirt, new sneaks, a rockin’ belt, and a watch, for example.

This spring, let people know you are smart, stylish, and creative.