Winter Trends // Coats

We're almost into December and Mother Nature is definitely reflecting that. The days are shorter and the air is colder, walks to campus are becoming difficult, especially for those early morning classes. 

Being bundled up against the cold doesn't have to be unfashionable. In fact, you can be warm while still looking put together. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is to buy your winter coat in a bigger size. This trend of over sizing is a perfect opportunity to show off your layering skills with the extra room, matching chunky sweaters or tailored turtlenecks with your coat and winter garments. Playing with this idea, you can create looks that are more casual or formal depending on the pieces you pair with it.
Here's how I styled a few looks:

Love, 

A. xx

November Wish List

1. Adidas Sweatshirt 

2. One Direction - Made In The AM Vinyl 

3. Plaid Poncho

4. Winter Bomber Jacket 

5. Zara Knit Turtleneck 

6. Zara Soft Flat Boots

7. Poplin Sitwell Stripe Tailored Silk Pajamas

My Thoughts On // Modern Feminism

I feel like this post is going to be controversial in nature, but it's something that I want to write about because I've had multiple conversations with with multiple people about this lately and it's something that I've been thinking a lot about. I also want to add that I'm not trying to offend anyone and if I do somehow offend you then I apologize and want to say that that was not my intention at all. These are my opinions and observations.

I'm going to start out with a question. Why is it that modern feminism has become synonymous with "man hating"?

When you google "what is feminism" a simple definition comes up. It is defined as "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." Upon further research this actually includes issues such as pay gaps, sexual harassment, employee medical leave, racial equality and even gay rights. The whole thought process behind feminism is gender equality regardless of sex, sexuality or ethnic background. To be honest, I like the term "gender equality" way more than "feminism." This is not because I think feminist is a "dirty word" or whatever negative connotation the media has associated with it but because I think gender equality is a much more accurate term for what we're trying to accomplish with feminism.

I would argue that the fight for equal rights became way more publicized in the past 12 months. I would also argue that this is because of Emma Watson's speech on the HeForShe Campaign last fall. If you live under a rock and haven't seen that video than I would suggest crawling out from under that rock and going and watching it because it's probably one of the best speeches on the issue in the 21st century. But as great as the video and speech is I think it sparked something that Emma never even mentioned, which is the thing I'm having a problem with with modern feminism. This problem is man hating.

Why is it that when you declare yourself a feminist people automatically assume you hate men? Why is it that whenever feminists talk about gender equality there is countless slams against males instead of just talking about the issues without complications? Why is it that when a male or even a woman makes a comment questioning a woman's morals or actions they're automatically accused of misogyny? I don't understand why this is okay or why it's even a thing (also misogyny is a very real and serious problem and I really don't like that it's becoming a term that people throw around a lot. It's a very serious accusation and it should be treated as such). Being a feminist in no way what-so-ever should give you the right to hate the other sexes. In fact, I would argue that by taking this stance you are not helping the cause at all. Instead of bringing the sexes on an equal playing field you are spreading them more apart, wedging a gap between them that is going to be even more difficult to close as each side becomes more and more offended. When you label yourself a feminist you label yourself as someone who believes in gender equality, not as someone who wants to put down men in order to raise up woman. Honestly, this is more like bullying than feminism.

In my opinion, the genders should be equal. This is the 21st century and we have made so many advancements across the board and the thought that men and women, gay and straight and black and white are still being seen as being unequal is astonishing. So, yes, I label myself as a feminist and you really should to. But please, please do not stoop down to the level of thinking that because you are a feminist you must hate and put down your opposite. When you label yourself as a feminist you are merely stating you believe that everyone should have equal rights regardless of physical or emotional appearances. I think society would do better to think about this instead of looking for someone to attack and place blame on.

Love, 

A. xx

Balmain x H&M Review

So the Balmain x H&M line dropped today in stores and online and an accurate statement would be that everyone has lost their shit. But I mean, how else did you expect people to react? The build up for this line was insane. It started all the way back in late spring/early summer when Kendall Jenner and GiGi Hadid showed up to the American Music Awards fully dressed in pieces from the line and since then the public has gotten little tastes every few weeks about what was to come, building the hysteria to mass proportions when it finally dropped this morning. (P.S. if you wanted to buy anything, don’t hold your breath. The line sold out in record time).

Like guys I’m not even kidding here when I say mass hysteria. Looking at pictures of the lines that were generated in the actual stores you would think Beyoncé was there doing a meet and greet. Customers bought everything that they could get their hands on, which is astonishing to me considering that the line really isn’t that cheap. They even crashed H&M’s website. The timing in which it sold out would put Taylor Swift’s concert ticket sales to shame. Honestly, the people who were in charge of the marketing for this should be given awards or something.

Okay so the real question is: Is it worth it? In my opinion, the line is très chic et incroyable (six years of studying French in school finally coming in clutch). All the pieces look flawless and classy, the color schemes fitting in with the transitioning fall to winter weather perfectly. But I mean, would we expect anything less from a line that Balmain had their hands in?

However, as I stated before, the prices are a bit high. I think the reason I’m so caught up on this is because I shop at H&M regularly. I love their clothing and have been a fan of their store and brand since I could fit into it. H&M is great for people who want to keep up with trends and dress for them without breaking their wallet. But that’s the point to me, they shop there so they don’t break their wallet.

This line is incredible and if you have the money then I would say go for it. But to me, an in debt college student, it’s not worth it. To me, this line is similar to something I would look at on YSL’s or Rag & Bone’s website. It’s extremely beautiful and you can draw inspiration from it, but at the end of the day, economically, it’s not worth it.

Now if we’re looking at the line in terms of drawing inspiration from it, I could go on and on. This line is visually stunning. I’m completely in love with everything. My personal favorites are the long blazers and the absolutely beautiful leather jacket with gold details (like actually swoon that jacket is so gorgeous). Almost all of the pieces I would consider to fall on the formal side instead of casual, but there are some printed tees and pants that you could definitely dress down for a chic street style.

Here's how I would style some of my favorites from the line: 

Featuring the Shimmery Top 

Featuring the Beaded Velvet Jacket

Featuring the Suede Biker Pants and Leather Jacket

Featuring the Leather Jacket, Balmain x H&M Teeshirt, and Suede Boots

These are just a few of my favorite pieces that stood out to me. Go over to the H&M website to see the full line. 

Love, 

A. xx

November New Music Monday

Alessia Cara - Here

Selena Gomez - Hands to Myself, Sober 

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - Cecilia and the Satellite, High Dive, Halls 

Ellie Goulding - On My Mind

The 1975 - Love Me

Ariana Grande - Focus

One Direction - Perfect, Home (New album out the 13th!)

Love, 

A. xx