Lanvin for H&M: All Lanvin In Front...

...and a little too H&M in back for me. Meaning, when I turned to the side in the mirror, I saw too much fabric bulging in the back. But the front view? Gorgeous and all Lanvin. The skirt was so close to flawless, it was torture to not take it home. I put it on while I was wearing the Leg T and it was hysterically adorable together. But I couldn't reconcile myself to the excess fabric that bagged not just in the back of the skirt, but also a little in front.

The front view of the long-sleeved dress is all high-fashion and is the bargain in the collection at $99. Those puffy high shoulders are alone worth a long wait in line. But the back fit me ill, puckered and didn't lay flat. I grabbed an 8, so perhaps a 10 would have fit better? Also the one-shouldered dresses were tough for me to zip up in my size. I didn't think the entire collection was cut small as other items seemed true to size. The size 8 fur vest fit just right and the leggy T tunic was a roomy medium (in person this T is freaking fabulous, and this from a girl who isn't overly fond of tulle).

Love these furry beasts.

All of you in Europe wondering whether or not to go wait in line, if you're on the fence, go. I was thinking of skipping the release, but when my alarm went off at 5:50am, I checked my phone to see what Intern Craig was up to. When I saw on Twitter that he'd been toughing it out for hours on 34th and 7th, I knew I had to go. And now I thank him, as it was well worth it. Although I couldn't shop until 9:45am, I went up to men's at the 8am opening and picked up a trench, a hat, and a tote. The bright blue brogues looked a little cheap so I passed, and there were several black pairs leftover when I left. Coveted men's jackets were snatched up in seconds. The line bracelet'ing and 15 minute time slot for the ladies was fairly civilized, and the Herald Square staff had things well under control. Once you were in the pen and shopping, staff was everywhere helping with sizes. I did hear some complaints from shoppers who didn't realize once you left the pen, there was no going back.

If you are a masochist and feeling nostalgic for the true H&M collab crush, visit the men's at opening and shove your way around to a sequin tie. It's going to be a scramble. And as for sleeping out? In the US, getting there before 7am for an 8am opening got you a confirmed time slot for shopping. Good luck and happy Lanvin.

H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th
H&M 34th & 7th

Intern Craig Conquers Lanvin for H&M

I did it. I stayed up all night all for the love of Alber Elbaz. I started my evening by comparing both of our H&M stores, Herald Square and Penn Station. The Herald Square line was shorter but the people at Penn Station were so much more fun.

At 3 a.m, I decided to hop on line which was already 30 people long at that point. I quickly made friends with my partners in crime around me as we decided what we were getting. Some wise soul printed out every piece so we could make absolutely sure what to make a bee line for once inside.

The line started to pick up around 4:30 and went all the way around 7th. The next three hours were the worst as the anticipation started to build up. It was at this point that I started asking all our Twitter followers about wearing a bow tie. Clearly the fatigue had gotten to me because you couldn't pay me to wear a bow tie on a good day.

Luckily around 7, we were treated with coffee and croissants. I declined the coffee because it would just get in the way of my main focus, the leopard print tee.

We all got cute tote bags with our wristbands. Enjoy this picture of the fabulous LaDivaSosa, number 1 in line with her tote!

I headed down to the women's section first to investigate the scene but I couldn't get any pictures because I was so overwhelmed. By the time I got to men's, it had been decimated. I was lucky enough to grab the tee and bolt before collapsing into a Lanvin coma for the better part of a day.

If you didn't have a chance to stop by the stores today, keep your eyes peeled around the city. Many shoppers are going to be returning the pieces they don't want, which means you'll have a second chance at Lanvin. Good luck!

H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & 7th Avenue

LeBron and Lanvin

Brooding...

and brooding.

Are you over LeBron James going to Miami, yet? Resolved to do anything for a Lanvin H&M dress? Or wondering what the hell I'm talking about? Well, it's line waiting week on 34th Street for two well-known and highly coveted brands: Lebron and Lanvin.

Visit Footaction on 34th and 7th Avenue this evening for the midnight release party of LeBron's Nike Air Max LeBron 8 "South Beach" shoe. Yeah, "South Beach," not "Midtown" or "34th Street" or "The Garden," all of which, IMHO, sound a lot more basketball than "South Beach." Oh, well, at least tonight Footaction is throwing a party with a raffle, DJ, and prizes; click on the flyer above for more details. But if you're a serious sneakerhead, you're probably at Footaction on 34th & 7th right now waiting in line.

And don't forget that both H&Ms on 34th Street are carrying the Lanvin for H&M and are opening early at 8am on Saturday. Intern Craig and I reviewed strategy yesterday. The drag king in me wants to run with him to mens and get the bright blue brogues. But I really, really need the above black dress for $99. Below are several other things I'd like. If you want any Lanvin, you're going to have to act like a sneakerhead and get in line early Saturday morning, because the first 320 at each store get a color-coded bracelet that enables them to shop for 15 minutes, starting at 8am, before the collection is opened to the public. Also, bring supplies, because this also means you could be in line until noon on Saturday. Check Racked NY for more details.

Footaction 34th Street and 7th Avenue

H&M Herald Square, 34th Street just east of 6th Avenue

H&M 34th Street and 7th Avenue

GLORIOUS NEWS.

Whoops, forgot to publish this over the weekend, so today we'll let Intern Craig gush about H&M's new collaboration while Fashion Herald attempts to put together a last minute Fashion Week wardrobe on 34th Street...

I don't think I have ever been so excited for a designer collaboration in my life. I was initially disappointed with the early rumors of who H&M decided to collaborate with this time around but I was ever so wrong. Just listen to Alber Elbaz discuss this beautiful pairing:

I think I'm most excited about Alber's mention of H&M becoming luxury. While I love H&M and I completely respect their business model, fast fashion has a tendency to lack in the quality department. Now, I've had good and bad experiences with H&M pieces. I've had a gray wool sweater from H&M for almost 4 years and it is still in top condition. On the other hand, I've had t-shirts fall apart after months of usage.

Yet, the most exciting part is that IT'S FREAKING LANVIN. I had a fantastic opportunity to visit the Barney's Warehouse Sale and pick up a gorgeous overcoat from Lanvin's last collaboration with Acne Jeans. My friends, as well as my boss here at Fashion Herald, are all quite sick of hearing about it. I, however, plan on wearing it every single day this fall. I know this doesn't have much to do with this post but, I just wanted you all to know about my coat. Plan on seeing many pictures of it during Fashion Week.

Don't get your hopes up too soon though. The collection won't be in stores until the end of November. To kill some time, look at this teaser video from H&M which has brought me many laughs because of the unbelievably incorrect guesses it created. Carolina Herrera?! When would Carolina Herrera ever wear anything close to that?!

Ed. note: Now the question is, will the H&M's on 34th Street carry this collaboration? I'm hoping, of course, that both of our H&M's will be involved, but I'll take the Seventh Avenue shop, as it usually gets all of the designer collaborations.


H&M Herald Square, 34th Street & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & Seventh Avenue