Alexander Wang to Design for H&M

Swedish fashion retailer, H&M is famous for teaming with big name fashion designers such as Stella McCartney, Versace, and Isabel Marant. In November of this year H&M will be adding a new designer to their long list of collaborations, Alexander Wang.

Wang will be the first American designer to create a collection for H&M. Known for his innovative, edgy, and wearable designs, it seems as though Wang is the perfect candidate to partner with everyone's favorite clothing store.

For being only 30 years old, Wang is one of the most successful designers in America. Wang received a huge honor in 2008 when he won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, helping him to progress his collections even further. Another large success came soon after in 2009 when Wang was awarded the CFDA’s Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year Award.

Now Wang is responsible for three different labels. He established Alexander Wang in 2007 and T by Alexander Wang was launched in 2009. In 2012 Wang was named Balenciaga's creative director.

On November 6, 2014 Wang's collection with H&M will be launched. It will include both womenswear, menswear, and accessories. As with most of H&M’s designer collaborations it is expected that Wang’s designs will fly off the shelves.

For more about these items click here.

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

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Menswear Monday

Recently, I've been loving menswear inspired pieces. I think that the trick to rocking this look is to add a hint of femininity whether it be in shape, pattern, or color. I styled my classic white shirt with a black tie and edged it up with a leather jacket, navy skinny jeans, and oxfords. 

Dollhouse Jacket (similar), Converse Onestar Shirt  (similar), Calvin Klein Tie (similar), LC Lauren Conrad  Jeans,  Rainbow Oxfords (similar)

Here are a few great menswear inspired picks so that you can create a look of your own.

H&M blazer, Forever21 bow tie, H&M oxfords, Macy's Tuxedo Pants, Forever21 ties (1, 2, 3), H&M  hat (SOLD OUT), H&M suspenders, H&M belt

- The blazer shown above has a great shape to it that will give you an hourglass figure. 

- A bow tie like this plaid one is a quirky alternative to the typical tie. 

- I am a huge fan of oxfords and the ones pictured would be perfect for any menswear inspired look. 

- Oxfords are stylish and comfortable. 

- Tuxedo pants in a skinny cut like these ones have a menswear vibe but will flatter a women's body. 

- I love to rock a great tie. These ones from Forever21 come in a great range of colors and patterns. A hot pink tie gives a girly  to an otherwise masculine look. 

- A fun hat and cool suspenders are unexpected and totally chic. 

- A simple black leather belt is a must have. 

What's your favorite trend right now? Leave me a comment telling me what you think! 

The collage used in this post was made using www.polyvore.com. You can check it out right here for more information about items featured.

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

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XO, BL

Gift Guide: The Fashionista

Having a friend with awesome fashion taste can be both a blessing and a burden. Although they'll always answer your burning style questions and are always up to date with the latest news from the runway they can also be extremely hard to shop for. It seems like they have everything. In this post I have put together 8 gifts that any fashion-forward friend would want and that are totally chic and on trend.

1.) Style by Lauren Conrad - I've wanted this book ever since it came out.  Fashion reference books are great for any fashionista.

2.) Ties - This may seem a little odd but recently I have had a minor obsession with ties, bow-ties, and menswear. I think that a nice tie is a great gift for any fan of fashion, male or female. Ties can make a button up shirt look a bit more preppy or edgy depending on how you style it. You can find the one featured here.

3.) Heart Bag - I love this colorful and fun bag. It's chain strap and quilted fabric makes it super chic. The bold pink color would add a splash on the dreary winter days ahead. The heart shape makes it the perfect gift for the quirky trend-setter.

4.) Knee-high Boots - Black knee-high boots are always in style if you ask me. I especially love these boots because of their wedge heel. Wedges are my favorites and I would rather wear a pair of them than a pair of heels any day. They are easier to walk in but still give you nice height.

5.) Rhinestone Collar Necklace - This necklace is gorgeous. It would be the perfect accessory to any simple outfit casual or dressy. I love it. It's also perfect for a holiday gift because it is festive and could be worn all throughout the season.

6.) Celebrity Pink Skinny Jeans - Celebrity Pink is my go-to brand for jeans. Their skinny jeans have wonderful stretch, trendy color choices, and a great range of sizes. They are the perfect present for anyone.

7.) Statement Necklace - Fashionistas always love a good statement necklace like this one from forever21.

8.) Pink Body Lotion - I love this lotion. It smells amazing and is really hydrating. A great Christmas gift for any fashionable friend.

The collage used in this post was made using www.polyvore.com. You can check it out right here.
Love this blog? I'm happy to hear! Make sure to follow Freshmen Fashion on www.blogger.com and www.bloglovin.com!
For fabulous fashion randomness make sure to follow me!
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XO, BL

Gift Guide: What to Buy the Boys

Boys are difficult to shop for. There I said it. I am a self-proclaimed amazing gifter buy truthfully shopping for guys can be extremely difficult and usually always is. If you shop for the same guys each year their presents can get a bit predictable and who wants a predictable gift? Not this girl. So here I've tried my very best to think about any type of boy, man, or guy you could be shopping for this holiday season and put together a nice versatile collection that any guy would want. At least I would want if  I were a boy.

1.) The Fashionable Fellow- A nice well-made leather jacket. This one shown in the picture is from H&M and for a real leather jacket with a lining I think $249 is a great deal especially if you're shopping for someone special that also has some serious style.

2.) The best guy friend -  The holidays are a great time of year to show your guy friend how much you appreciate your friendship. What better way to do that than with an awesome fashionable but still masculine hoodie? The one pictured above comes in a range of colors to fit any personality or style. I like it best in gray or maroon.

3.) The secret Santa / gift swap guy - Everyone knows that feeling when you get someone for Secret Santa that you know nothing about. If it's a guy it can be even more difficult. An awesome (and inexpensive) gift that is perfect for this situation is a fun pair of sunglasses. The ones featured in this post are by H&M and are only $9.95.

4.) Any guy - A nice leather belt is perfect for any guy that you need to shop for and is a perfectly versatile gift. A simple classic one will never go out of style and can be worn again and again.

5.) The boyfriend - Boyfriends can be tough to shop for especially if you've only been together for a small amount of time. A great gift that won't break the bank but that still looks really nice and thoughtful is a bottle of his favorite cologne. This gift set pictured above is by Giorgio Armani and it smells amazing if you ask me.

6.) The brother - DVDs are great gifts for anyone but they're perfect for a brother. Who knows maybe you can book some sibling bonding time to watch the movie too. Grown Ups is a favorite of mine and is available at Target.

7.) The father - Fathers are all different and have all sorts of hobbies and interests. If you're not sure what to get your daddy this year invest in buying him a really nice watch that you'll know he'll wear. This may seem like such a simple gift but if your dad's anything like mine this present will be greatly appreciated and used. The watch shown is from Target and is reasonably priced at $34.99.

8.) The music buff - Buying that music loving guy in your life's favorite band's new CD for them as a gift  probably just won't do. You know that they've surfed through iTunes for hours on end downloading every single, EP, and live album that they've ever released. Instead buy him that awesome pair of headphones that he's been talking about nonstop might be the way to go. With this gift you might just earn the title of person around. This gift is perfect for someone special because super cool headphones usually come at a slightly high cost. You can get the headphones featured at Target for $199.99.

9.) That guy who is completely and entirely impossible to shop for - You know that guy I'm talking about. The one who is too cool for video games, only likes indie music that you've never heard of, and dresses so uniquely that his clothes are only bought at thrift stores. When in doubt, buy him a really cool phone case and an iTunes giftcard. You can get cases in all sorts of colors and designs and they're also very practical too the one pictured is from Target.

The collage used in this post was made using www.polyvore.com.
Love this blog? I'm happy to hear! Make sure to follow Freshmen Fashion on www.blogger.com and www.bloglovin.com!
For fabulous fashion randomness make sure to follow me!
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XO, BL

Back to School Essentials: Chic Shoes

Shoe shopping goes hand in hand with school shopping. You can't have a cute outfit without an adorable pair of shoes to top it off! Here are my favorite back to school shoe styles that when worn will insure that your tootsies look just as fab as you do!

1.) Ballet Flats - Flats are great for any occasion. You can dress them up or dress them down. An added bonus is that they are super comfy and easy to walk in. You're feet won't be killing by the end of the school day. The leopard print ones are ideal for adding a bit of edge to any boring outfit. The snakeskin ones would be great for adding a bit of personality to a classic or conservative look. Finally, the pink ones with the super cute bow detail would go perfectly with a girly sweater, pearls, and distressed jeans.

2.) Boots - Boots are a huge staple in my wardrobe. My favorites are a broken in pair of Simply Vera by Vera Wang boots that I got for $20 on clearance at Kohl's. It was SUCH a great deal. I also have a pair of studded black ankle booties that I got for $5 (also on clearance) at Forever21. Boots are great for any season but I love wearing them in the fall with skinny jeans, a flowy blouse, and a tailored blazer. I love the floral combat boots in the photo above you could totally rock 'em with any style. The black ones are more edgy while the brown ones are most classic.

3.) Wedges - I don't really think high heels are appropriate for school. I prefer a great pair of wedges. They are more comfortable and you are less likely to fall in them (take it from me, a self-proclaimed klutz). I wish I owned the black lace-up ones and the floral ones are so pretty. The hot pink ones at the top would look great with a monochromatic look for an awesome pop of color.

4.) Oxfords - These menswear inspired shoes are a great alternative to a sneaker. I do not own a pair but I am in the market for some cheetah print ones. This style of shoe adds an unexpected "cool-girl" vibe to a casual v-neck and jeans ensemble. I especially love the the black oxfords with the neon pink sole.

All-in-all go for what your comfortable with and like when it comes to shoes. If you think you'll feel like a fish out of water in 5 inch wedges or stilettos then don't wear them. If you feel uncomfortable in your shoes it will show and people will question your footwear choice just like you. On the other hand if you know you'll look great in  wedges or heels and are going to walk down the halls in confidence that will read too. Please reserve your Ugg boots for around the house only. Beware: If you plan to purchase a dangerously cute pair of shoes be prepared to be asked "Where did you get those?".

Want me to follow you on polyvore, pinterest, or instagram? Tell me about your go-to pair of shoes in a comment and make sure to leave your username or a link to your profile and I will follow you!

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For more about the shoes featured in this post please follow the links below:

Flats: http://www.polyvore.com/flats_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55270779

Boots: http://www.polyvore.com/boots_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55271898

Wedges: http://www.polyvore.com/wedges_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55272949

Oxfords: http://www.polyvore.com/oxfords_shoe_blog_post/set?id=55273691



My Recent Obsession: Coco Rocha in Diesel Fall 2012 Campaign

Diesel isn't a brand that I usually follow but recently while reading the August issue of InStyle magazine I came across the Diesel Fall 2012 ad campaign. This campaign features the lovely Coco Rocha whom I happen to be a huge fan of. I loved everything about the campaign images by Steven Meisel. The edgy styling was amazing. Everything was perfect from the cuffed distressed jeans to the menswear inspiration. The shoes are to die for and the studded belt and fabulous blazer are pieces I wish were in my closet right now. I am also in love with the hair, makeup (that red lip completes the whole look), and nails. Overall best campaign images I've seen in a while. They will certainly serve as inspiration as I shop for back-to-school. I may have just found a new brand to watch out for every time I open up a magazine.

Tell me what you think about the styling in a comment.