Alexander Wang x H&M

The Alexander Wang x H&M collection will hit stores on 6th November, and I think it's fair to say that it's one of the most hotly anticipated H&M collaborations so far. I'd put money on it selling out completely in the first day, maybe even within the first few hours! Buying items from these collaborations is notoriously difficult. The website crashes before the collection even launches, and you need to arrive at your local store hours before it even opens to join the queue, with strict purchasing rules. Personally, I prefer trying to get my hands on these sought-after items online. Considering that I find the sales bad enough, H&M on collaboration launch day is far too scary for me, especially since my experience in H&M when the Jimmy Choo collaboration launched (I actually hid in a rack of coats because I couldn't handle the level of crazy that was going on). 

So, what tips do I have for shopping this collection online?

1. Plan what you want to buy beforehand. Work out how much you can spend and then decide exactly which items you want to buy. Check the sizing, and measure yourself to be extra sure. You can return items that don't fit, but it's unlikely there will be any stock left to exchange for a different size. You could also create an account and add your credit card details (see point 3)

2. Refresh! Refresh! Access the website at least 30 minutes before the collection launches and leave it sitting there while you have your breakfast. Start refreshing the page about 5 minutes before. Keep refreshing! The site will almost certainly go down due to the high traffic, but keep refreshing and you might just get in.

3. Act fast. If you're lucky enough to gain access to the site, you'll need to act quickly. The items will sell out fast, and I'm not sure how long items are reserved for when they're in your basket. So select the items and check out as quickly as you can.

Will you be shopping this collection? Good luck if so! And let me know what you bought! You can find my favourites below.

Much love, Bemsy x

Alexander Wang x H&M by emmatje

National Cat Day

The cat lovers amongst you will know that it was National Cat Day on Wednesday. As I love cats, I thought it was the perfect excuse to do a cat-themed shopping post. Even if you aren't as obsessed with cats as I am, these items are so cute, and some of them might even be the perfect gift for a cat-loving friend. Why not tick one person off your Christmas shopping list?

Cat Decor by emmatje 

Top row left - right: one - two - three
Bottom row left - right: one- two- three

Cat Accessories by emmatje

Top row left - right: one - two - three - four
Bottom row left - right: one - two - three

Cat Clothing by emmatje

Top row left - right: one - two - three
Bottom row left - right: one - two - three

And as it was Halloween yesterday (hope you all had a scary night!), here's a photo of my devilish kitty cat.

Much love, Bemsy x

Bemsy's Guide to Shopping Online: Part 1

Photo: @charlielanks

Running See it, Want it! has made me something of an expert when it comes to locating items in online stores, but it's also made me quite the savvy online shopper. So, I've decided to share some of the things that make online shopping easier, more fun, and cheaper than buying in-store.

1. Do your research

If you're looking for an item from a particular brand, google it before you shell out your hard-earned cash on the first site you find it on. Often, an item may be reduced or part of an offer on one website but not on another. You can use Polyvore to find out who else is selling it, or even ebay.

2. Make the most of voucher code sites

Before I buy anything online, I search for discount codes because I hate that sinking feeling when you realise you could have saved some money on your order, but it's too late to change it. There are loads of discount and voucher code sites, all you need to do is type the name of the store and then "discount code", "voucher code" or just "code" into google and you'll hopefully find a great offer. And don't forget, some online stores allow you to combine multiple codes.

Photo: @seeitwantitofficial

3. Check the returns policy

This is SO important. I only had to make the mistake of not checking once, and now I don't buy anything before I've read what the returns policy is. There is nothing worse than buying an item that you hate or that doesn't fit, and then you find out that you're stuck with it because the returns policy is rubbish! I'd actually go as far as recommending that if the returns policy doesn't seem quite right, you shouldn't place an order.

4. Try items on in-store and then order online

Okay, so I know this sounds a bit odd, but for some brands, it's a great way of saving money. H&M, for example, often have discount codes for their online store but not for their actual stores, and ASOS often runs offers on particular categories such as dresses and coats. 

Do you shop for clothes online?

Bemsy x

Swim Suit Season

One of the highlights of summer is swim suit shopping. This year I have seen more unique styles than I have ever seen in years before. There are so many cute options and I can't wait to buy a few! 

Top row left to right: Damsel @ Tilly's; Damsel @ Tilly's Middle: Damsel @ Tilly's Bottom row l - r: Crash & Burn (sold out) similar at Couture Candy; Kandy Wrappers (sold out) similar at Tilly's 

Top row l - r: Violet Lake (sold out); Beach Riot @ Swell; Charlotte Russe
Bottom row l - r: Paul Smith @ Zappos; River Island (sold out), similar at ASOS; Hurley @ Pacsun

Top row l - r: Mara Hoffman (sold out) similar by Mara Hoffman at Saks and Free People; Mara Hoffman @ Saks
Bottom row l - r: Seafolly @ ASOS; 80s Purple ; Mara Hoffman (sold out)

My suggestion would be to pair these bikinis with high waisted shorts and an open knit sweater for night time! 

What's your bikini of choice this summer?

Riss x

Get Ashley Benson's style!

If you’re a fan of Ashley Benson then you’re probably used to seeing her in either a pink bikini in Spring Breakers or “three inch heels or nothing” as Hanna Marin in Pretty Little Liars. But when she’s not on set or on the red carpet then Ashley’s style is pretty laid back. She’s a fan of the beanie as well as slouchy tees and black jeans; some may describe her style as grungy with a trendy edge. I personally love it, so here are some ways in which you can get Ashley’s style!

Where? Coachella 2013

1. Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters; 2. Cape - Capology; 3. Jeans - Krisp; 4. Tank top - Nasty Gal, alternative at Nasty Gal; 5. Stud bracelet - ASOS; 6. Bracelets - sold out @Topshop, similar at Nordstrom; 7. Stonewash Converse - Converse

Here are some other outfits Ashley has worn lately, what do you think? Comment below!

Beth x

A run through San Francisco (or how to stay in shape while traveling)

Who said your outfit couldn’t make heads turn when you’re working out?

The sun has finally decided to show up and the warm weather is, from my perspective, synonym of “get outside ’cuz it’ll only be there for 3 months”. Bikini season is approaching and so I’ve decided to make a special “welcome back” to my running shoes, and this made me think of the beautiful West Coast of the United States.

This week’s destination? San Francisco, or should I say “A day in San Francisco”. Between the tourists attractions, and the wonderful view, San Francisco is a city of health on the food level, as well as on the sports level.

Make the most of your day

Start your day with a walk to Pier 39, the biggest Pier of the city, where you’ll see runners passing by at every moment. From there, take a boat to Alcatraz, where you’ll face the impressive reality of prisoners of the middle of the twentieth century. Back on shore, rent a bike, and enjoy the wonderful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, as you bike on the road aside of the water. Stop at a small kiosk for a worldwide known “Clam chowder”, and make a small visit of Ghirardelli to enjoy the amazing smell of chocolate. Back on your bike, make a detour to Lombard Street, and reach the end of the road to visit Fort Point, under the Golden Gate. Leave your bike near the entrance and take a walk on one of the most acclaimed bridge in the world!

You’ll probably want to enter the Nike store in Union Square, where the rainbow of running shoes on the wall makes you want to buy every each of them.

Finish your day with a Cable Car Ride, and make sure to catch a picture of the amazing architecture!

This summer, if you’re planning on a trip, take your colourful running shoes with you. Running through the streets is a wonderful way to discover hidden places! It also gives you an absolute different perspective... And it burns the calories you over-eat all-day because you are so right if you want to taste everything!

Lori

Spring Spotlight: Maxi Dresses

Left-Right: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

A HUGE trend for the Spring/Summer season is maxi dresses. I am obsessed with how boho and carefree they look. I suggest pairing plain maxis with a statement necklace and some strappy sandals. For plain maxis, I suggest keeping it simple and adding a few bracelets and some sunglasses. 

Here are a few of my picks for the season!

I love the back on this dress. It is so simple yet stunning. It is perfect for those summer days where a top knot is necessary. Tobi.com has great affordable dresses for any occasion!

This Lulu's.com dress is perfect for a night out! Perfect dress to pair with your favorite statement necklace and your favorite pair of wedges!

I can absolutely see myself wearing this dress during the summer. This A'gaci dress gives a bohemian vibe with the hat and belt. You can dress this up or down for night or day looks! 

Which dress is your favorite?

- Riss x