TOPSHOP x FASHIONU: A digital soirée for the ages!

Teen Vogue and Topshop partner to bring a night of ambiance to Fashion University students from around the world! Let's take a look back at all the fun last Saturday night!

As Teen Vogue's FashionU closed it's doors after a full day of panels, seminars, and industry guest speakers oh, and of course, stampedes of teenage girls (and boys) sprinting from event to event in their deadliest pair of heels, all 500 fashionista(os) got treated to do a little retail therapy from a whirlwind of a day at an exclusive shopping party hosted by Topshop!

From makeovers, to a custom manicure station, an exclusive live-feed jeopardy style twitter- 

trivia game (filled with loads of Topshop prizes and goodies), a drool worthy candy station (I know, Willy Wonka, who?), and not to mention an exclusive discount, I have say, it was a magical night.  

I totally felt on top of the world for 5.7 seconds, don't judge me.

First of all, can we talk about how ADORABLE these Topshop nail polishes are? They literally have every color you could imagine to treat your cuticles to a little F-TLC (fashionable tender, love, and care), duh. I don't care how insane my nail polish stash is growing in my dorm room, literally they are exploding out of my desk drawers, I had to pick up a few for the train ride back home! Has anyone else come accustom to calling their dorm room, "home"? I cant be the only one. Anyway, so cute and such a steal! They add a little "oomf" to my collection.

Okay boys and girls, now it's time to get down to business. Let's talk about what everyone is really here for, Topshop's fierce-as-ever winter collection! This is a time to descend into perpetuating awe at the overwhelming beauty of these little pieces of heaven, but also a time to bask in your despair as a broke college student who could no where afford every single one of these pieces, as much as my heart desires them. It's a tough world out there, lovelies, and you can't win them all. As I am now finished with my rant, let's move on through and let the clothes do some of the talking.

Are you ready for this? I don't think your ready for this.

Ok, Ok... You're ready. Let's begin with a few of my favorite trend pieces!

THE COLLECTION

Military madness! As big, military, grunge jackets are my must have staple for the fall and winter season, it should be quite predictable that these babies were the first pieces to catch my eye. Not even catch my eye, but literally jump in front of me and knock me off my sky-scraper glitter-flatforms. They are that wonderful. If I could have any item from my night of shopping, it would have been both of these jackets, they are so effortlessly chic and add a whole new dimension to any and every outfit. Personally, I would pair these babies with a formfitting cranberry dress and textured tights, with a pair of patent leather boots for a tough, yet structured look that says, "Oh yeah, I'm tough" and "Oh yeah, I'm looking good!" Speaking of boots, let's move on to another MUST HAVE in everyone's closet...

The notoriously necessary, chunky ankle boots! In the past month, I have bought THREE pairs, yes three of these boots, because I think it's safe to say that I am absolutely obsessed, and that I have major issues. Not to mention, they are are classics that you can tailor to wear all year around. With your tightest skinnys and an over-the-top huge cable knit sweater that won't stay around your shoulders, or a flirty tea-party dress, these bad boys are in fact a basic human right. Or, at least a must have for any human being who wants to call him or herself a fashionista(o). My advice, you need a pair. Grab yourself a neutral pair that will go with everything in your closet, or opt for a gorgeous ox-blood pair with big, golden buckles like the ones above, and make a statement this season! Your choice, either way, you will be making an investment to the fashion gods, for fabulous feet, always. 

Prints, Prints, PRINTS! I am all about me some outrageous prints this season, and forever and always. The crazier, the better! The thing that really drew me towards these pieces were in fact that they are big and bold, but still refined and chicly elegant. Where can you go wrong? This long sleeve body-con and high waisted trousers truly are The Messy Bun style, they are everything you could ever want, all wrapped up in one. They give a modern take to the Marie Antoinette prints and colors, and let's face, just look like a blast to wear! I'll tell you, if I saw a girl walking down the street, working it in either of these looks, I would make sure she was my new bff. It takes someone with a great eye to rock these pieces from Topshop. Challenge accepted. 

To end this post, I just want to send out a ginormous thank you and lot's of love to Topshop for having all of us FashionU students raid your store, and to Teen Vogue especially for putting on a fabulous weekend, to say the absolute least. You will be hearing from me again next fall!

Class dismissed.

To connect with Topshop or to shop any of the pieces:

@topshop // topshop.com // topshop.tumblr.com

For more info on Teen Vogue Fashion U:

@teenvogue // @tvfu // teenvoguefashionuniversity.com // facebook.com/fashionu

xxx

Alexandra

PRABAL GURUNG x TARGET COLLABORATION

BIG NEWS, FASHIONISTAS! 

Luxury designer, Prabal Gurung (pronounced Prub-ble Ger-rung) who also happened to be a guest speaker this weekend at Teen Vogue Fashion U in New York City has officially announced his clothing and accessories collaboration with Target! All us fashionistas on a budget can now take a big sigh of relief as price points will range from $19.99-$199.00, does it get much better? I think not. The collection will debut in Target stores around the country on February 10, so get your credit cards ready, polish your comfiest mob rushing flats, and prepare for an influx of modern glamour and beauty to take over everyone's favorite, Tarjay, in stores very soon!

Prabal Gurung (@prabalgurung) with Teen Vogue's Fashion Director, Gloria Baume at his seminar with over 500 aspiring fashion editors, designers, stylists, and fashion industry professionals. 

Look at you, working that brown carpet, sir. Looking good!

Here are a few of my favorite looks from his current and previous collections so you can really get a taste for the perfection that will finally be available to his wider, very much awe-struck audience come this winter, just in time for the warmer, brighter months!

Spring 2013 RTW Collection:

Vivid metallics, a new age of menswear, and the perfect amount of ruffles.

Resort 2013 Collection:

Bright, bold colors, geometric radiance, and structural elegance at its best. 

WHO IS READY, NOW? Can I get an AMEN to the fashion gods?

Now, I'm curious, what are your opinions on these type of so called "fast brands" in stores such as J. Crew, Target, and H&M? Do you think it's almost a rite of passage for younger designers? Or do you think they should stick to their typical craft?

Comment and Let me know!

Check out Prabal Gurung: prabalgurung.com // @prabalgurung // facebook.com/prabalgurung

xxx

(Teen Vogue Fashion U Photos taken from Zimbio.com, right here)

(Prabal Gurung Collection Photo taken from Vogue.com, right here & here)

TEEN VOGUE FASHION U: DAY #1

I could NOT keep those darn paps off me today at Teen Vogue's very own Fashion University held at Hudson Theatre and TV's Conde Nast office. It was a day filled with a million fashion-obsessed girls who all share the dream of making it in the industry, long lines, stampedes of teenage fashionistas sprinting to get the best seats (I'm not even exaggerating, I fell three times), amazing industry influentials, and lots and lots of industry talk. Let's just say it was an amazing first day, and I can't wait to go back tomorrow! Let's just say I was photographed, gifted some amazing freebies, and was told I look like Leandra Medine! It was just as amazing, if not more, than it sounds. This experience really reassured me that moving to New York City to pursue fashion is the best decision I could have ever made towards moving closer and closer to my ambitions and career goals. Three cheers (mock-tails of course!) to Teen Vogue for putting on such a great day of events and making all of the fashion-obsessed boys and girls from across the country that our dreams are well within reach. We salute you. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my oxblood-red, glitterized heart.  

Demi Lovato's November 2012 Cover! I really loved her spread and how naturally and effortlessly she was shot, it was a vintage-urban feel that left me mesmerized. Have you picked up your copy? After today I now have three! Time to get- Inspiration boarding!

The legend herself, Vogue's creative Director, Grace Coddington, literally graced us with her presence this morning and told all her worshippers all about how she got started in the industry and shared some of her amazing work in Vogue. She truly is extraordinary. I cannot wait to read her new book, Grace: A Memoir, when it gets delivered to my doorstep just next month! Have you pre-ordered your copy yet? You can right here. Trust me, this is a must read. She is so inquisitive and classic, it was an honor to be in her presence this morning, it almost didn't feel real. 

Meet my newly blonde bff, Ms Erika Bearman aka Oscar PR Girl! Her talk was my favorite seminar of the year, and I got a front row view of her true radiance and beauty! She was mesmerizing to listen to, and I hope to meet her again. Who else can rock a velvet maxi like her? Exactly, no one can. 

Even fashionistas have to eat every now and then (unless your me, because I never STOP eating!) But for lunch today I went for a chicken salad sandwich with dried cranberries and celery and a refreshing passion tea! So yum, so so yum! Can I get another?

Last seminar of the day was with the amazing Teen Vogue Editorial team! Do I even have to explain? They are so MAJOR and today really just reminded me why I am where I am, that my dreams aren't as far away as I may think, and that I can do what I love with a whole lot of ambition and initiative.

THE OUTFIT

Today I woke up and thought: Let's mix every possible texture in my closet and mix it all together to a mess of an outfit that I just so happen to be in love with...

Basically for this day long fashion crazed, fun-filled day I went with a look that is one I feel really defines my personal style and my personality. Which is perfection because when you're surrounded by fashion influentials and fellow fashionistas from across the country it's good to show that you have a strong point of view, and in my case a bright, fun, yet chic aesthetic when it comes to fashion. Here I really was channeling my inner Man Repeller with this furry, almost obnoxiously loud teal and yellow palette combination. Because who doesn't love a good ruffle and nice shag? So the look is really prep girl meets motorcycle gang, and I'm kind of obsessed. A good lace can make you feel so girly and chic, yet throw in some leather and chains, and you can really call yourself a package deal. Vroom Vroom. As you've probably noticed I was not rocking THE MESSY BUN this sunny afternoon (GASP!) and I actually took the time to tame the beast atop my head, 2 hours, and 5 different cremes later. This is a special treat for you new readers, yes, Alex does in fact put in some hairy effort, but only on rare occasions. I figured Teen Vogue deserved this honor, because it truly is just that an honor. You may now bow down to my horse mane, and chant that the bun makes an exclusive return TVFU Day #2!

Teal Shag Sweater- H&M, Similar here!

Neon Ruffle Bib- H&M, Similar here!

Vintage Sheer Lace Dress- ALICE by Temperley, similar here!

 Leather Moto Boots- H&M, Similar here!

Check out all things TEEN VOGUE FASHION U on Teen Vogue's website!

xxx

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!

Ten-Hut! How's everyone's Thursday? Thanking the Lord tomorrow is Friday? ME TOO! Today's outfit was really inspired by the image of a funky cadet ready to take on the world (or you know, school, drama, bugs, whatever!) and lead her troops down the runway. Fall is finally in the air here in the city, YAYAYAYAY and you know what that means (aside from pumpkin spice lattes and leather jackets?) SWEATERS, SWEATERS, SWEATERS...LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS! Fall, we salute you. Life has really been moving fast lately and I feel like I am constantly running around from class, to work, to club meetings, and back, but I'll tell you, I kinda like it. Being busy is the best state to be because it makes everything even more exciting. Speaking of running around, I recently landed an internship with an amazingly chic clothing brand, ADDISON (aka The Addison Story) and I think I've fallen in love with working there, and you know their clothes are a plus too. How necessary is this sweater dress? It's warm, and cozy, and makes me feel all fuzzy inside. Don't you just love that feeling?  Oh! and before I forget, these pictures were shot by my amazingly talented roommate, Victoria D'Esposito, check out her rants right here! She's quite entertaining. Till next time, lovelies!

This was a shot taken as I was practicing "popping" my foot for my dream kiss in the rain with James Franco. Ok, we can all go on with our lives now. 

Alien invasion up in the N-Y-C, ya feel me?

This is possible the raddest little pumpkin i've ever held. Too bad it wouldn't fit in my purse... you can't win em all, can you?

Sweater Dress- ADDISON, check out The Addison Story, here!

Air Force Military Jacket- Thanks daddy <3

Leather Leggings- Necessary Clothing

Aztec Print Wedges- Jeffery Campbell, available here!

Rings- "Thanks mom!"

Insta/Twitter: @ayyorivera

Facebook: Facebook.com/Themessy-bun

Tumblr: Themessy-bun.tumblr.com

WEEKEND SOUNDTRACKZ x LANA DEL REY

This weekend I too (finally!) fell into the spell that is Lana Del Rey's music. Her lyrically spell-bounding story telling abilities made me fall deep into a trance as I played her album, Born to Die, over and over again on repeat. I am captivated by her ability to take me visually moment to moment through her lyrics to uncover the story behind the melody. My ears could not get enough Lana this weekend, and while she emulates a timeless esscence of a woman the past, her beauty is matched with a voice all her own that carries through even more intensely the same raw truth. I can not wait for her new album, Paradise, to be released November 13th! Who else has already pre-ordered? I know, it's that good.

MY FAVORITE SONGS:
- Born to Die
- Carmen
- Summertime Sadness
- Blue Jeans
-Video Games
-Lolita