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An Open Letter to H&M About Its Designer Collaborations

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balmain x hm

Dear H&M,

I have been shopping your designer collaborations for years and have to admit my disappointment with your latest BALMAIN X H&M release. From the moment the collection was announced I had been overly excited because, come on its BALMAIN we’re talking about here. All I could think about was having the opportunity to own a piece of clothing designed by one of the most talked about young designers of my generation, Olivier Rousteing.  However, I ended up with nothing but a bad taste in my mouth for you and here are three reasons why:

  1. Virtually Impossible To Shop: Unless I wanted to spend my day(s) camped outside of a store or happen to know a computer hacker shopping the collection was a huge hassle that I did not want to involve myself with. It is unfortunate that the people who really want a piece of the collection are the ones with the smallest chance of getting anything. You should seriously consider implementing a “no camping out” policy at the very least until midnight on the day the collection hits stores.
  2. Too Much Hype: Honestly, the collection would have been just as successful without Kendall Jenner as the face and all the social media hype because the real fashion girls/guys would be in the know about it the way we have been with all of your designer collections. Most people were unaware of the BALMAIN brand before this and while I understand from a marketing perspective this collection and the buzz surrounding it could help make them more known to the average consumer it really just turns genuine fashion lovers off.
  3. No Exclusivity:  The excitement or idea of exclusivity surrounding these collections and more importantly purchasing an item from them seems to be gone. I remember when I scored a leather jacket from the Versace x H&M collection. I was so ecstatic and got so many compliments with people asking me if it was really the jacket from the collection. Now you just look crazy for purchasing because people are wondering what lengths you endured just to get it. Not cool.

Better luck next time I guess?

Signed,

An upset B.A.D. Girl

P.S. Marc Jacobs is among the next celebrity designers rumored to collaborate with H&M and if that does happen I will need H&M to be more concerned about their actual customers and less about trying to trend on Twitter.

What do you think about these designer collabs? Share with me in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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The Top 10 Realistic Must-Have Items From The Balmain x H&M Collection

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The very highly anticipated Balmain for H&M collection drop this Thursday, November 5th at 8 am EST and while the collection is absolutely gorgeous the prices aren’t as pretty with a few of the pieces selling for well over $500! I can only hope the quality of the garments reflects the hefty price tags that come along with it. Balmain is one of my favorite fashion houses and owning a piece designed by Olivier Rousteing, one of the hottest designers of our generation just might make the splurge worth it.

However, if you’re like me and you love designer fashion but are on a real-girl budget I picked out my favorite pieces from the collection that I think are worth digging deep and dropping that extra cash.

blamain x h&m

  1. Balmain x H&M Moto Jacket $399: Everyone should own a genuine leather jacket and why not make it a designer one by Balmain while you’re at it.
  2. Balmain x H&M Blazer $129: A blazer is another closet staple that’s worth the investment and umm hello you can be twinning with North West!
  3. Balmain x H&M Beaded Silk Top $129: Embellishments and embroidered details are a Balmain signature and I think this top is a lot more practical compared to the dresses in the collection. You can wear this to work and for a night out.
  4. Balmain x H&M Silk-Blend Velvet Dress $149: This black dress is a bit more understated compared to the others in the collection but I bet you will get more than just one use out of it.
  5. Balmain x H&M T-Shirt $34.99: I live for a good white tee and if you wanna add the Balmain logo in velvet flock print motif then I am all over it.
  6. Balmain x H&M Wool Hat $17.99: This is technically part of the mens collection but its definitely unisex and perfect for covering up those messy hair days.
  7. Balmain x H&M Sandal Boots $199: Shoes are always worth the splurge in my book and these leather black and gold heels are everything!
  8. Balmain x H&M Clutch $149: This 100% leather bag embroidered with sequins, beads and rhinestones will be a piece that you can keep in your closet for years to come and pull out whenever you need to get a little fancy.
  9. Balmain x H&M Accessories: Purchasing designer accessories which tend to be more affordable is a great way to mix high and low fashion. I personally like the gold pieces and the aviator sunglasses!
  10. Balmain x H&M Satin Pants $99: You can’t really go wrong with a good pair of black pants made from mulberry silk and these high-waisted babies are so nice you will get plenty of uses out of them!

View the entire Balmain x H&M Collection HERE.

Will you be shopping the collection? Let me know in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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3 Ways To Speak Your Desires Into Existence

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speak things into existence

I am a firm believer in the law of attraction and so when I really want something I make sure that I speak it into existence.  What exactly does that mean? It means that I make an effort to talk about the things that I do want and less about the things that I do not want. When you talk about your wants with passion you help bring them to life. It might sound a lil cray but it does work.

Here are 3 practical and easy steps to help you get into the habit of speaking your desires into existence.

  1.  Tell Someone: Keeping your wants bottled up inside wont help them come to life.  You don’t have to go declaring it to the world, but tell it to at least one person. All it takes is confiding in someone you trust about what it is that you want to help make your desire feel tangible and real.
  2. Write It Down: Take a few minutes to jot down what it is that you want in whatever aspect of your life. When you take the time to do this you are also putting focused thought and energy behind your desire therefore helping to bring it to you faster!
  3. Be Certain:  In order to successfully attract and create you need to be and feel 100% certain about what it is that you want. You have to believe that it is yours with every bit of you. You deserve it and you know it so own that shit!

The next time you find yourself chatting with your home-girl tell her how you want your life to be instead of maybe how it is at the moment and focus only on the things you want to happen,

I am going to have a bomb ass day today! 🙂

What are you speaking into existence? Tell me in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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The Fall Lipstick Shades You Should Be Wearing Right Now

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fall lipstick colors

Dark lipstick in the fall is nothing new, however what I really love is the return of the ’90s grunge look with taupe, brown and burgundy/wine being my absolute must-have shades. Here are some of my favorite colors that I am loving right now.

  • TAUPE: This color also known as beige-brown is a dark tan color that ranges in-between brown and gray. It can also look like it has a purple/mauve undertone depending on the shade.
    • ColourPop – “Kapow“: A muted gray taupe that is super “grungey” and stays matte all day.
    • Dose of Colors – “Stone“: This taupe shade has more of a dusty rose look on the lips so its a nice alternative for a nude lip.
    • ColourPop – “Beeper“: if you don’t want to do a full-on gray lip try this warm mid-tone taupe that is a bit more on the brown side of the spectrum.
  • BROWN: This colorway can be a bit off putting but there are so many different shades out there that you can definitely find something that fits your fancy.
    • Lime Crime – “Shroom“: Perfect for the bold this ultra matte lipstick is a true chocolate brown.
    • Anastasia of Beverly Hills – “Sepia“: A beautiful golden brown gloss that you can wear alone or on top of another shade for an added kick.
    • NARS – “Copper Pink“: This gorgeous copper lipstick  is a brownish-red and has a nice shimmer finish.
    • Milani – “Rose Femme“: This rosey mauve-brown is my favorite and an affordable option if you’re looking for that infamous Kylie Jenner lip color. It is also super moisturizing.
  • PLUM/WINE: Red lipstick is usually everyone’s pick for fall/winter but I am opting for deep plums/purples and wine shades instead.
    • Dose of Colors – “Berry Me 2“: A stunning berry shade that will look good on every skin tone.
    • Maybelline – “Divine Wine“:  An affordable  creamy matte in that classic wine shade with staying power that wont dry out your pout.
    • MAC – “Diva“: This is an intense reddish-burgundy that is perfect for a night time look.
    • ColourPop – “More Better“:  A deep violet wine that you can wear from day to night without feeling like you are doing too much.

What color is on your lips right now?

xoxo

Nicole

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The Outerwear Trend That’s Bomb For B.A.D. Girls

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bomber jackets

Moschino Dollar Sign Bomber (sold out!) | Saint Laurent Shell Bomber $2,290 | Silence & Noise Long Quilted Bomber ($89 on sale) | Forever 21 Bomber Jacket (sold out!) DKNY Paisley Embroidered Jacket $488 | Balenciaga Leather Bomber $2,965 |

Bomber jackets are nothing new and have been a part of the urban streetwear scene for as long as I can remember. However, they seem to be everywhere lately and I blame the Kardashian/Jenner clan for this trend blowing up.  I like the look of these jackets because it has that masculine/feminine vibe that I am into. There are so many different styles of bomber jackets out there from leather to satin to nylon and everything in between. I scoured the web and found so many amazing styles, however many of them are way out of my price range so I picked up this one from Bohoo.com. They have a really nice selection at affordable prices!

How to Wear: You can dress this jacket up or down and look cool with either option you chose. Its casual enough for sneakers but also stylish enough that you can pair it with a dress or jeans and heels when you’re feeling fierce like Kim. Roll the sleeves up if you purchase a puffy or over-sized style.

bomber jackets kardashian

Where to Buy: These jackets are everywhere and they sell out quickly especially in the olive colorway. Depending on how much you want to spend on one you can find them for as low as $30 bucks here.

Would you rock a bomber jacket? Let me know in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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3 Painful Truths Learned From Starting My Own Business

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entrepreneur quotes

Starting a business or venturing out to do something entrepreneurial on your own is risky and most people won’t have the nerve to do it, but for those of us who refuse to settle it’s a challenge we are willing to accept. I’ve always know since I was young that I wanted to be my own boss. I thrive on independence and having control of my freedom.  I launched my own fashion brand – MyTee B.A.D. Clothing about 3 years ago and it hasn’t been easy to say the least.

I am still a work in progress every single day, but here are three of the biggest lessons I have learned thus far.

  • Scared Money Won’t Make Money: To be an entrepreneur you have to be okay with the idea of being broke. You will blow money and fast and if you’re lucky make just enough to keep you from starving. Starting a business costs and you will need to invest everything that you can into it so if not being able to go out for dinner or buy the latest shoes is going to be a problem for you then stick to your day job.
  •  Strangers Will Show More Love: It’s still crazy to think that many of my biggest supporters have been people I have never met before. Unfortunately many of your friends and family will not be as supportive of your endeavors as you might like them to be. This was a tough pill to swallow and can really make things hard if you let it get it to you. Know that just because your friends aren’t buying what you’re selling it doesn’t mean that there aren’t way more people out there who will.
  • Your Attitude is EVERYTHING: If you don’t feel confident in what you are doing or have a negative attitude be prepared for a whole lot of going nowhere with your business. You have to wholeheartedly believe in what you are doing in order to really succeed. Doubt, negativity and fear will keep you stuck in a terribly awful rut feeling like a dog chasing its tail. Trust me, I’ve been there. Believe that you deserve success and that what you are putting out there is worth it. If you don’t believe in what you are doing how can you expect anyone else to buy into it?

What has been a hard lesson (business or personal) you have learned recently? 

Share with me in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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My Fall Footwear Must-Haves

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fall footwear trends

H&M White High Tops $29.99| adidas x Raf Simons $455| gx by Gwen Stefani OTK Boots $154.95| French Connection Patent Leather Boots (on sale $74)| River Island Metallic Brogues $60

The fall season is my favorite time of year for footwear. I feel like shoes get way more comfortable once the temps drop, right? I am really digging the trends for this season so I decided to round up a list of the styles that I will be rocking without a doubt.

All-White Kicks: Crisp white sneakers that you can wear with pretty much anything from a dress to jeans are definitely on top of my list. Sneakers are all I want to wear lately so I am happy to see this is actually a “fashion trend” for fall.

Red: The color red was seen all over the fall runways in pretty much everything and in every shade. I have been itching for an all red pair of sneakers. I really dig the adidas x Raf Simons collection but it’s way out of my price range so I may pick up a pair of  leather converse instead.

Over-The-Knee Boots: When I want to feel sexy I plan on pulling out my OTK boots. I currently have a flat leather pair from Aldo but I am contemplating buying ones with a heel for that added oomph!

Patent Leather:  Patent leather can come off looking very dressy if you style it incorrectly so I am opting for a cute pair of  ankle boots with a small heel so I can rock them for a more casual take on the trend.

Metallic Shine: I love a good statement shoe and metallic footwear does just that. You can have the shoes be the star of the outfit, which is how I like to dress on the regular. Metallic boots or oxfords will be on my feet this season for sure.

What shoe trend will you be rocking for fall? Let me know in the comments section!

xoxo

Nicole

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The One Thing You Should Be Doing Every Morning

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gratitude tipsEach morning  BEFORE you get out of bed take a minute to declare your intentions for the day and give deep thanks as though you have received them all. Intend that it is going to be the best day of your life. Intend that your day will be filled with happiness and all the good things that you desire. If you can make this into a daily habit you will start to see your life change for the better. So put down your cell phone and start practicing gratitude instead. I promise it will benefit you way more than what’s happening on the gram.

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo

Nicole

September 2015 Beauty Product Favorites

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september 2015 beauty favorites

September means cooler temperatures, darker shades and a change in skin care routines. Here are my favorite products that I have enjoyed using this past month.

Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream: I am trying to be more conscious of the types of products I use on my skin so I am excited that I tried this night cream and really like it. It’s 99% natural and infused with Royal Jelly, one of natures most powerful nutrients. It helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while Bee Pollen and Shea Butter provide moisture.  My skin is softer and firmer and the light scent doesn’t irritate me so it’s an all around win!

Milani Color Statement Lipstick – Rose Femme: I have been on a hunt for the perfect brownish mauve color that fits my entrepreneur budget and as a big fan of Milani lippies ($6!!) I was excited to discover this shade at my local CVS. The color pay off is great, the lipstick goes on smooth and really keeps my lips moisturized with decent staying power.

St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotion: I am obsessed with this product for making my daily post-shower moisturizing routine that much easier. I just spray it all over and then rub it in – the product is so light and doesn’t leave that greasy feeling. Its 100% natural moisturizers and the coconut milk and orchid extract scent is delicious!

Julep Glow Highlighting Powder: I’ve always shied away from highlighters because of my already oily/shiny complexion but after receiving this powder from my boo Kimberlee I haven’t been able to stop using it! Its a beautiful yet subtle gold highlight. I like using it on days I am not wearing a full face or any blush for a nice glow on my cheeks.

Lush Fresh Face Mask – The Sacred Truth: I already swear by the Lush Cupcake face mask and this one is just as amazing! Its intended for mature or really dry skin but I purchased it anyway.  The Sacred Truth contains a powerful combo of rich softening ingredients to deeply moisturize and packed full with nutrients to restore essential vitamins and brighten skin. I am obsessed with how good my skin looks and feels after using it. Baby bottom soft!

Make Up For Ever – Smoky Extravagant Mascara: I received this in the sample size and would absolutely repurchase! My favorite thing about it is the cone-shaped brush that has a precision tip to help separate my pesky corner lashes and a big rounded base to create volume. The formulation has 4D technology and provided awesome staying power keeping my lashes curled all day long.

What products did you enjoy recently? 

xoxo

Nicole

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12 Fall Accessory Trends for Your Zodiac Sign

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fall trends zodiac

As the summer season is starting to settle down, it’s time to start planning your fall wardrobe and pulling out those must-have accessories. In partnership with the Astrology experts at DailyHoroscope.com here are my tips to help you get started with the best trends in footwear or handbags for your zodiac sign.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

The fearless and bold Aries woman will be excited to turn heads in thigh-high boots that can be worn over pants or with a sexy dress for full-on vixen mode. The over-the-knee boot comes in many different styles, but it’s the fiery confidence found in Aries that will take this trend to the next level.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taureans love being surrounded by the best of the best and value luxury, so splurging on a pair of Lucite shoes won’t take much convincing. Designers loved incorporating the clear acrylic glass element in the heels of their footwear for this fall — from a chunky heeled boot to a sexy stiletto, the choice is yours, Taurus!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Talkative and curious Gemini is always up for something new, however tried-and-true plaid will be a great trend to experiment with this fall. Complement the dual sides of your personality by rocking a classic pair of boots that feature a cool plaid lining or patterned upper.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Emotional Cancers love to reminisce and cherish sentimental items, like maybe your first pair of Mary Janes as a young girl. Well, now you can relive those memories with a more sophisticated adult version of the Mary Jane with a stacked heel and that classic look and feel. The prim and proper lady-like shoe will be perfect for the office or dressed down for weekend festivities!

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leo loves to dominate, and nothing says “look at me” more than a pair of killer patent leather pumps! This trend is all about shine, and if you’re really daring you could kick it up a notch by rocking a pair of patent leather, over-the-knee boots and check two trends for fall off your list.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Practical Virgo will be happy to know that you can put your best “boot” forward, because chic black boots are still a hot item for fall. Try a classic lace-up style or a slip-on with a chunky heel that is still comfortable for everyday wear and stomping all over town!

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Beautiful on the inside and out, Libra has the keen ability to see both sides of every situation and often has trouble making decisions. So for fall, let’s make it easy. Try matching the color of your shoes with your bag for a simple yet super chic way to accessorize your look!

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Passionate and intense Scorpio is the perfect zodiac sign to rock the IT color for fall. It’s all about RED in everything, from lipstick to sunglasses to bags to shoes. A confident Scorpio will know exactly how to make this trend POP!

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarians love adventure, and every outgoing free-spirit needs a bit of fringe in their closet. Pick up a clutch with a cool tassel or a fun pair of suede ankle boots with fringe for a sexy yet playful way to dress up any outfit.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Hard-working, always on the go and on a rigid schedule, Capricorns will benefit from the oversized bag trend. So whether it’s a clutch or a backpack, stylish Goats should make it big enough to fit everything you need for your busy lifestyle.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Eccentric and fun-loving Water-bearers will get a kick out of this season’s velvet shoe trend. It is one that many will shy away from, but not an Aquarius! Keep it casual in a pair of velvet flats with jeans, or dress it up with velvet pumps for a night out with the girls!

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Compassionate and dreamy Pisces — who tends to be attracted to shades of green — will be delighted to know that deep teal was seen all over the runways for fall. It was spotted in everything from outerwear to shoes to jewelry and of course handbags! A beautiful teal handbag or clutch would make for the perfect accessory to compliment your aquatic style.

What is your zodiac trend?

xoxo

Nicole

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