H&M Fashion Aganist AIDS 2010 Collection

On May 20, 2010, H&M will launch its third Fashion Against AIDS campaign. H&M is launching their first festival collection, 25% of sales will be donated to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. Sold in Divided youth departments, the collection price point range from about $18-$100. Primarily there is only one item in the collection that is selling at the $100 mark, everything is very reasonably priced. The proceeds will raise funds to promote the message of safe sex.

H&M never disappoints. The design aesthetic of the H&M brand is something that I truly admire. While still keeping everything in moderate starting in price, they do not sacrifice quality and can always give the consumer what they want. H&M I take my hat off to you. Here! Here!

I will be at the front doors on next thursday because who can ever pass up a collection by H&M. I can't LOL.

$79.95

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Photo Credit: Nitrolicious

Update-HELP I AM IN A FASHION DEPRESSION

Here is a update on my progress from "Help I Am In A Fashion Depression".
First I want to thank everyone that gave me support and understood exactly where I was coming from. It was actually surprising to see how many of you felt somewhat the same way. I was glad to know that I was not the only one that felt that way.

So here is my progress from the past weeks. I am so sorry to say that I have not made any progress in achieving a better visual appearance in the workplace. The night before I have such good intentions on getting up early, choosing something other that my same 5 outfits and sprucing myself up. But what do I end up doing, getting up at the 7:00 am and racing against the clock to get out of the door on time and retreat back to my work pile of clothing. It is so sad, I think I need a therapist. Dr.Phil I need a interview STAT!!! LOL. I don't think it is that serious but I need a Intervention with myself.

I think how did I get this way? What went wrong? I used to care how I looked and dressed, now my image is not very becoming. Every weekend after I was my hair I say to myself this is going to be the week. But what ends up happening is the same routine, Day In and Day Out.

Does anyone truly feel like I do? I sit at a desk all day and it does not give me the motivation to want to dress up but I need to my livelihood depends on it. Spring is here and it time for a new beginning. I am not sure what it is going to be but I need a DRASTIC CHANGE. I am thinking of cutting my hair. Having long hair it is easy to get into the ponytail routine very quickly. I need something that I am able to maintain but gives me something new. So until next time my pretties, Stay Fabulous!!!

***Please share your thoughts,comments,and questions below? I am will be featuring them in my next Fashion Depression Update?

Coachella Fashion 2010

Coachella has come and gone for 2010. I was personally invited by H&M to blog about the fashion and happenings of this year's Coachella but due to such short notice I was not able to attend. :( Yes I shed a tear or two. But no worries there were some many others there getting coverage of this event.

The main reason for truley wanting to attend. was to wear oversized clothing with exposed undergarments and ROCK OUT with my other fellow fashionistas. But since I had to let this oppurtunity pass I decided to still bring some of my favorite looks from the festival.

Fashion at Coachella Music Festival is all about comfort and rock end style. I know this is the only time of the year, where you can wear a bikini top as a shirt, layering neck, and walk barefoot and it be accepted. Just the freedom of no social stigmas are just the BEST.

From rompers to fun and flirty dress and cut off shorts you can take away some of your personal style from these festival go-ers.

See yall there at COACHELLA 2011.

Photo Credit:Forever 21

Guest Post-Add Flair to Your Work Outfits

This guest post was contributed by Sara from Star Costumes after reading my article about being in a Fashion Depression and thought that adding a little flair to your office outfits can help break the corporate monotony. THANK YOU SARA.


Dealing with a conservative office environment? It can be tough when you want to spice up your outfits but are constrained by the oh-so-boring black pumps and senator cardigans that everyone else at your workplace is sporting. Never fear, though . . . it is possible to add some flair to your everyday outfits and still keep them work-appropriate.

Some of these items might be a little too flashy for the stiffest offices, but you know your work environment best, so don't be afraid to toe the line and see what you can get away with in the name of fashion!

Accessories are prime pieces of flair because they can add personality to an outfit without completely taking it over. Plus, they're rarely included in a manual's dress code, so you can use that to back yourself up if you happen to get busted.

Try a showpiece ring like this one (Pave Movable Turtle Ring, $24, Urban Outfitters):

Or throw on a fabulous scarf that's rich with color and goes with anything (Smocked Rainbow Scarf, $8.80, Forever 21):

Hair is also a natural place to put some flair. If your office allows hats, try wearing a chic fedora or a 1920s-style headpiece with an elegant flower or a bit of lace. If you don't want something taking up your whole head, try a unique headband (Wide Feather Headband, $5.80, Forever 21

Finally, don't neglect your lower half! If it's chilly at your workplace or you feel uncomfortable showing a lot of leg when you wear a skirt, tone it down while spicing it up with a really interesting pair of tights, like these two from ModCloth (Nocturnal Tights, $31.99, and Rad to the Herringbone Tights, $34.99):

So remember: no matter how conservative your office is, you can strive to stand out at least a little bit. Who knows? You might even get a few compliments and shake things up enough to inspire a mini fashion trend!

This post was contributed by Sara Bimmel, who writes about Halloween costumes over at StarCostumes.com.

H&M Garden Collection First Look from Fab TV

I can hardly contain myself. The arrive date is near for the long awaited Garden Collection from H&M. I am like OCD when it comes down to something that I really want and I know that there is a limited supply.

I have called H&M at least 10 times in the past two weeks just to make sure that I have not missed beat. I have even set a reminder on my work calendar so that I can call right as the store opens to put certain items on hold. And here are some pictures from my computer as proof:

The collection is premering on March 25th. I can hardly hide the excitement and anxiousness that I feel. I have literally had a dream that I am at H&M trying on the collection. I know I am CRAZZYYYY!!! I wrote about the Garden Collection back in January and posted some of my MUST HAVES ITEMS.

But Fabsugar they have a exclusive sneek peek inside the collection before it hits stores. Is anyone as EXCITED AS I AM?




Video Source:FabTv

HELP I AM IN A FASHION DEPRESSION

Let me just start by saying that I am a little tired. I work at a Insurance Company were the dress code is not "strictly enforced" but we still are not able to wear what you would like. I am sitting here thinking "Wow. Breck you look horrible". I have really let myself go. My appearance is not what a "Affordable Fashionista Blogger" should look like. I am not sure where the train got off the tracks but it has been off for at least a year. I get up just in enough time to get ready, iron something really quick out of the closet and make it work. Frankly I am so tired of this routine, I could just scream. I am in "Fashion Depression" and I need some medicine STAT.

I have not been keeping up my appearance like I know I should. The same recycled outfits are covering my body week to week. Does anyone have this same depression as I? I give advice for Affordable Fashion and Style, then dress like I would need to be on "What NOT TO WEAR".

Enough is Enough I am taking back my style and appearance. I want to look a certain way, I know how but I am not investing enough in myself to make this happen. So I am taking a stand to against "Fashion Depression" once and for all. From this day forward I will like and feel like I want.

Here are my steps to make this action a reality:

1. Clean my closet- If I have not worn it in the past 6-8 months, it is time to say Goodbye.

2. Reselling Items- I want new clothes and what better way to get them is by getting some type of income for them.

3. Buy Carefully- A new season is approaching with new trends and goodness it time to start spring shopping again. But this year and from now on I am going to shop more carefully. Not by impulse but by thinking about the purchase and will I really wear or use the product that I am purchasing.

4. Respect Me- Your overall presence and presentation is a reflection of one's self. I do not want to look or feel this way anymore. I am going to Respect myself by taking the time necessary to make myself look and feel the way I truly want.

Is anyone with me? Share your comments and thoughts? Are you dealing with this too or have you ever dealt with this before?

Would you be interested in hearing about my progress?

Photo Source:Fashion-Res

Guest Post-If You Seek Style

If you Seek Style is a personal fashion diary of Caylee Marie. I would describe her style as a simplistic edge. Her choice of color palette are very neutral. White, Black, and Greys are her main colors of choice.I discovered her blog through a photo that she uploaded through her Chictopia profile.

I was most intrigued by her style because she is one of my personal "STYLE ICONS" in the blogosphere. What I enjoyed most about Caylee was her color choices. I am a very neutral color lover myself. Black being my most favorite. Caylee definitely knows how to a whole outfit together with looking what other would consider to be "Gothic". She has a nice edge will still have a great element of femininity. So I approached her to guest post on Fashion Without Guilt. She kindly accepted and she gives Fashion Without Guilt readers a look into some of her personal street style inspirations while still sharing some of her key places to shop on a budget.

Hi Fashion Without Guilt readers! I'm Caylee; I'm 23, live in Indianapolis, Indiana, I am a recent college grad working at H&M, and of course have my own little fashion/style blog, ifyouseekstyle.blogspot.com I was asked to do a guest post for Fashion Without Guilt (whom I love since I'm on a strict budget and therefore everything I wear is affordable!), and since the site is so kindly doing a post of their own on my personal style, and thought this would be a good opportunity for me to show you guys some of my inspiration in the form of street style photos.

My absolute favorite thing about fashion taking over the Internet is all of the personal style blogs and street style photos - everyday girls from around the world showcasing their outfits for all to see. You're hard pressed to find inspiration in a small Midwest city, so these blogs couldn't be better for someone like me, who two years ago struck an interest in fashion (versus just shopping and clothes in general) and used these street style shots to figure out my own personal aesthetic. My style grew to what it is today - always casual, comfortable, and chic with a rocker edge, a mix of tough and feminine, and maybe a little vintage inspiration thrown in. I loved style blogs so much that I had to start my own blog! It's been really great and I hope to continue contributing for a long time.

The photo collage here contains some of my favorite street style looks at the moment, and I'll go through them one by one.

1)The first look is the perfect casual chic outfit, and I am all about the denim shirt; they're so versatile. I wear this look to work all of the time since it's not only easy, but comfortable, a big must when you work in fast-paced retail.

2)This is my idea of THE perfect outfit. I'm a huge fan black clothing (my favorite color), and stripes are always stylish. Again, I've worn this outfit multiple times. Could be why I love it so much ;)

3)Oversized black coats are my ultimate winter outwear, and dressing up all black with a neutral colored scarf is a great way to add color. I'd do a leopard print scarf here too.

4)White shirt, fur vest (I have this exact one), and skinny black pants - all are three essentials in my book that happen to look incredible together too.

5)Leather motorcycle jackets have been popular for a while now, and they don't seem to be going anywhere. I can see why - they are perfect over everything and that must needed touch of edgyness I crave.

6)My biggest fashion obsession right now is leopard print and oversized cardigans, and I've been looking a combination of those two ideals for months now. Here's to hoping I find one like hers soon!

7)Again with the oversized cardigans. Who wouldn't love something so stylish yet comfy? Great with shorts in warmer weather too.

8)The long and lean maxi dress silhouette is not something you would normally think would work in the winter, but it's been seen on bloggers everywhere and I can't think of anything prettier right now. Adding a black maxi to my wishlist!

9)Throwing a denim vest over your leather jacket has also been around for a while, but it is just so darn cool that I can't help but still love it. You can always update like she did with a graphic tee and booties.

10)Last but certainly not least.....ahhhh pants are taking over the fashion world right now. A tailored pair in black with cuffed hems is on my current wishlist too. Especially love that they show off yours shoes.

Hope you guys enjoyed my favorite street style looks of the moment and were inspired as much as I am by them.

See you around!
Caylee
http://www.ifyouseekstyle.blogspot.com

Photo Source: collage made by caylee; image sources: mr. newton, linn gustafsson, columbine smille, natalie off duty, mr. newton, alice point, the haute pursuit, columbine smille, le blog de betty, nana in wonderland.

Guest Post-Friend in Fashion

I recently approached some fashion bloggers that I personally admire. I approached Jasmin of Friend In Fashion and she gladly obliged.

I chose Jasmin to guest post for Fashion Without Guilt because I loved her feminine and fun fashion personality while still keeping affordability in mind.

Friend in Fashion is a blog that features great fashion ideas and moderately priced independent fashion designers.

Fashion Without Guilt asked Jasmin, What is shopping philosophy, I know you are affordable but how do you view fashion?

Jasmin: I guess for me shopping is a bit of a release, its my avenue to be creative, to escape reality and admire the designs and creativity of designers. Fashion to me is one of the ultimate forms of self expression. It is a visual forum to display exactly who you are, how your feeling at any given point in time, the things you like and that which inspires you.

For her guest post, Jasmin shares some of her retail secrets to "stretching your FASHION DOLLAR".

Please Check out My Friend In Fashion :)

I was thrilled when I was asked to contribute to Fashion Without Guilt, as much of my style philosophy is centered on ways of getting more mileage from your fashion dollar.

With this in mind, I thought I would share my 5 tips to shopping retail.
1. The best way to look stylish and fashion forward without spending the earth is to know where to shop and what to shop for. A combination of new and vintage clothing and accessories will allow you to grow your wardrobe inexpensively to create a diverse and fashionable collection.

2. When shopping retail, I generally opt for chain stores, some of my regular retail hotspots include: Target, Forever 21 and Cotton On (in Australia). You will find that the stock in these stores will reflect current fashion trends at a more affordable price point. You will generally also find a lot of variety in these stores, catering to a range of different tastes.

3. Do your research - An educated shopper will always walk away with the best bargains.

* Know when the sales cycles are and keep an eye out for times when retail outlets need to clear floor stock- i.e. end of financial year, change of seasons.

* Find out how often your favourite stores deliver new stock and how quickly your size sells out. If you know your size never sells, wait until stock goes on sale before purchasing.

* Think DIY – sometimes stock will be reduced, because a button is missing, or a hem is loose– use this to your advantage, pick up a bargain and inject your own handy work into your fashion.

4. Build strong foundations - fill your wardrobe with good basics that you can build upon. A white shirt, a pair of good fitting jeans, tights, tank tops and a black dress form a great base. You’d be amazed at just how many stylish combinations you can get out of these fashion must-haves.

5. Mix and match - I absolutely adore vintage dressing, so I love incorporating vintage finds with store bought pieces to create a truly unique, and affordable look. If you are new to vintage shopping and not confident in pulling together a vintage outfit, take small steps and start by updating one of your favourite outfits with vintage accessories, brooches, necklaces, belts or bags.

And finally, the most important thing about fashion in my opinion is to have fun expressing your personal style – you need to feel comfortable, and don’t be afraid to inject your own personality!

Your Friend in Fashion
x

Photo Courtesy: Friend in Fashion

H&M-The Garden Collection

As we all know H&M is a retailer that is geared towards bring relevant fashion at budget friendly prices. Me being the "Penny Pincher" that I am, H&M is definitely on my list for favorite stores to shop.

Spring will be here again before we know it and designers and retailers are already showing us what to expect for trends this spring season. H&M:The Garden Collection is a eco-friendly romantic creation. The floral looks of this line are inspired by chlorophyll-green gardens, sundrenched landscapes and even 70s hippie chic flower-power. The romantic garden collection is made using organic and recycled materials. All the garments have been produced using sustainable materials or using recycled PET bottles or textile waste.

How great is that Fashion with Purpose, what more could you ask for? The Garden Collection is set to debut at the end of March. I wish I knew the exact date, so that I could be there with bells and whistles on to be the first in line. Prices ranges from about $7.95-$59.95.

Below are some items that I will surely have in my spring wardrobe, if my sizes are still available.

To view more styles from the collection, click the picture below.

Photo Courtesy:H&M