H M Store

WHEN IT WAS revealed last week that Wal-Mart planned to stop prosecuting shoplifters caught stealing merchandise worth less than $25, many people were surprised. But perhaps Wal-Mart's decision doesn't reflect a softening of its character so much as a realization that it is unlikely to persuade Americans to give up their national pastime. After all, according to statistics collected by the National Assn.

April, it turns out, is a great time to shop H&M. The fast-fashion retailer is releasing three capsule collections this month — including chic, sun-bleached day wear; graphic-heavy streetwear; and quaint, boho-inspired shoes. The brand's annual H&M Conscious Collection for women and men debuts Thursday and features tailored-but-easy looks (such as a white eyelet smocked baby doll dress) — all rendered in pale pastel and white eco-friendly textiles. But "it's not just about organic cotton anymore," noted Ann-Sofie Johansson, head of design for H&M. "The possibilities for creating a complete fashion statement with eco-smarter materials are huge now. " Prices range from $9.95 for a white organic cotton vest to $49.95 for a recycled fabric blazer.

Lather Skin care that's practically good enough to eat -- that's what the Pasadena-based, all-natural skin care line Lather aims to do with its plant- and food-based products. Founder Emilie Davidson Hoyt uses such ingredients as ground bamboo and walnut shells in her lemon grass exfoliant ($38 or $68) and evening primrose in her alpha-hydroxy cream ($18-$36).

Put that hair trimmer down If you're on the verge of freaking out, and shaving your head doesn't seem like such a bad idea, check out the Britney Breakdown package available at San Francisco's Personality Hotels. The deal, with rates starting at $189 nightly, includes overnight stay, a $50 gift certificate to a Union Square hair salon, a $25 gift certificate to H&M clothing store, Hanky Panky lace thongs, a Marc Jacobs hand mirror -- useful for affirmations -- and Voss water.

A Sunset Strip office tower that was formerly the headquarters of Playboy Enterprises Inc., along with an adjoining shopping center, have been acquired by a Palo Alto investment firm for $100 million, a sign that local commercial property values are still rising. Broadreach Capital Partners, which bought the Sunset Millennium complex in West Hollywood from Apollo Real Estate Advisors, intends to make the retail center more upscale, Broadreach Managing Director David Simon said Monday.