6 Insane Stories from Shopping the H&M x Balmain Collaboration IRL

On the other side of the country, our news editor Kim Wang set out to see how New Yorkers were handling the clothing chaos. We each talked to a handful of employees and shoppers — some who were still patiently waiting in line and some who had just made purchases — about what went down during the morning. Here’s what it’s like to actually shop Balmain x H&M.

SHOPPER JENNY HAN, 21

Beth Wischnia: You guys bought so much stuff. What did you score?

Jenny Han: Well, this is for four people. All of these bags aren’t just for me. We came last night from Berkeley at 2am. We were in the Westfield Mall first to hit up that H&M and also had a few people in line here. That was our strategy.

BW: What about this launch made you want to get in line at 2am?

JH: For me, it was more about the experience not actually the clothes themselves. All the hype — I wanted to understand why everyone was freaking out about it.

BW: What item are you most excited about?

JH: I only got one item! I wanted to take something back from the experience. It’s a blouse with black and white stripes and buttons on the sleeves.

SHOPPER EMILIO LUNA, 17

Beth Wischnia: What was your shopping strategy?

Emilio Luna: To get here right after I got off of work last night in Stockton which is almost a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. I got here at 11:30 last night. I was out here all night and made some friends. I didn’t sleep at all. I had a chair, some blankets, a lot of coffee and Rockstar energy drinks. Caffeine is an important component to this.

BW: What about this launch got you to come out here so early?

EL: The name Balmain did. You really you can’t go wrong with Balmain. Their stuff [in the H&M collab] is super cheap, their jeans were only $100 which is crazy compared to the $1,500 they usually are. I didn’t get any of those, even though that’s really what I wanted. I wanted the jeans!

BW: What time did you go inside the store?

EL: I went into the store at 9:45 this morning. They opened at 8am. When I went in the store, it was basically completely gone. All the jeans were gone. There were a lot of people that came in with larger groups that actually bought out all the stuff like they usually do. That kind of thing happens a lot with big collaborations like this. They took a lot of the stuff that I wanted.

BW: Have you done something like this before?

EL: Last year at the Alexander Wang x H&M collaboration launch, I did the same thing. I came a little later last year, though, at 6am, and didn’t end up getting anything that I wanted.

BW: What item are you most excited about having purchased today?

EL: The sunglasses. The case is awesome — it’s kinda like velvet. The best part of all is the gold on the glasses. I’m all about gold everything. The glasses are really nice and only $60. I also got a couple everyday shirts for layering and a beanie because I needed something to buy. I had an $800 budget and only spent $200 on four items so I was just looking for more stuff to buy toward the end.

BW: Would you say this was a successful shopping day for you or are you bummed?

EL: I’m totally bummed. I’m gonna go to Barney’s and spend the rest of my money right now.

SECURITY GUARD OTIS SANDERS, 57

Beth Wischnia: When did security for this launch start?

Otis Sanders: It started at 2am. People were out here lined up.

BW: Has anything gotten out of hand?

OS: Fortunately, nothing crazy has happened. We’re here to just basically help people stay in their places in line and keep things from happening. It’s been pretty disciplined.

BW: What is the process for getting into the store?

OS: They handed out wristbands from 6am — 9am and would let people go in groups of 20 at a time. It was very strict. You could only go inside for 15 minutes maximum. After that, everyone else would be let in groups of 10 at a time. Employees are enforcing the time limit as they monitor people coming into the store. They have it sectioned off upstairs with the fashions that are in demand right now.

BW: When did this store start prepping for this launch?

OS: Overnight. They started in the middle of the night and this morning it was ready to go.

SHOPPER MORGAN SCHAFFER, 22

Beth Wischnia: How long have you been in line?

Morgan Schaffer: Since 5:30am.

BW: Where did you guys come from?

MS: Santa Venetia, about 45 minutes away.

BW: What about this launch made it worth the trip?

MS: The fact that it’s Balmain. Also, the fact that it’s Kendall and Gigi and the group that they had repping it. I’m pretty excited. Hopefully there’s still stuff left. The price point is really good because it’s Balmain.

BW: Anything specific you’re looking for?

MS: That green sequined dress, the blazer in the window — it has pearl studs on the front. Those are my two big items. Tess, who’s our new friend who’s been in front of us in line since 5am, is also looking to grab the green dress. Everyone wants the green sparkly dress.

BW: How was the line at 5am?

MS: Cold! It was so cold but it wasn’t too, too bad. It’s been a long day. Everyone’s really nice in line, so we’ve made friends. You kinda have to.

SHOPPER MARINA PETRASINOVIC, 22

Beth Wischnia: Why are you here?

Marina Petrasinovic: Because I want the leather jacket from Balmain. It’s a leather jacket with gold studs on it.

BW: What about this collaboration made it worth it for you to wait in line?

MP: I love Balmain. I like his collection and his style. It’s militaristic looking; it’s unique.

BW: Where did you travel from to get to this store?

MP: I’m from Serbia but we were already in California. My friend and I decided that we should check the launch out because we knew it would be out today so we said that if we had time, we would go. We are here in California for one week. Even though I’m exhausted and jet-lagged, I’m hoping it’ll be worth it.

BW: What time did you get here?

MP: We got in line at 8am.

BW: What is your strategy when you get inside?

MP: We heard you can only have one piece of each item. You can’t take a bunch of different sizes. We have to think about that but I guess we’ll see when we get inside.

SHOPPER BECKY TU, 27

Beth Wischnia: You look like you were able to get a lot of stuff! You must have gotten here super early.

Becky Tu: Yep, I did! This is my first time ever camping out because Balmain is basically one of my favorite fashion brands. I camped out since 10pm last night. I was going to give up the first hour — I was like, this really isn’t worth it. But it was a good experience and maybe next time I’ll bring a sleeping bag.

BW: Were you happy with the items you purchased?

BT: I didn’t really get exactly what I wanted but I’m happy overall. I did get the sparkly green dress everyone is talking about, though, but it’s not the one I set out to get. I wanted the embroidered dress that has the gold and silver embellishments. It’s a long sleeved, short dress that Kylie Jenner wore. I knew it was going to be a best seller so I didn’t really get my hopes up. But I did get the thigh-high boots and those were one of the three items I really wanted so I’m happy I got at least one of them.

BW: Were you happy with the cost of the Balmain x H&M items?

BT: Definitely. The boots cost $300 but that’s nothing compared to the normal price tag that’d be around $2,000. I also got a green fur jacket, two embroidered blouses, another pair of gold sandals. I stocked up. I don’t really shop so once I do, I go all out, especially if it’s a good price. I’m planning to go somewhere really nice with my new clothes!

News Editor Kimberly Wang’s NEW YORK CITY EXPERIENCE:

According to the manager on duty at the Lexington and 59th store, people were lining up starting around 3PM *yesterday* and by midnight, the line had stretched all the way down the block. The staff had been preparing for weeks and they had a system in place allowing only 30 customers in the store for 30 minutes at a time. At that rate, all of the merchandise was sold out at noon — save for a few sad accessories they have stocked behind the upstairs cash register.

That didn’t stop the costumers from tearing into the stores when it was their turn. One of the employees still said people were “running and ripping the store apart” once inside. But H&M is a well-oiled machine now that they’ve had several major designer collabs under their belt — especially in a location as saturated with people as NYC — and by early afternoon, there were no more signs chaos from this morning and it was business as usual.

Did you hit up the Balmain x H&M launch? What did you experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Photography by Victoria Haas

Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

Game of Phones

Uncommon Goods

This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

hella awk-ward Card Game

Shopify

If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

What Do You Meme?

Amazon

This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

Amazon

This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

Amazon

Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

Shopify

Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

Say Anything

Walmart

If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

Amazon

You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

The Game of Things

Amazon

This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

What’s Yours Like?

Walmart

Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

Amazon

Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

That’s What She Said

Amazon

Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

Bananagrams

Shopify

This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

Never Have I Ever

Amazon

You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

Amazon

Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

The Voting Game

Amazon

In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

Drawing Without Dignity

Amazon

It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

Catan Strategy Board Game

Target

Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

Relative Insanity

Walmart

Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

Influencers in the Wild

Amazon

If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

Adam Rose/Netflix

Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

Sophie Giraud/Netflix

Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

Petr Maur/Netflix

It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

Skydance Animation/Netflix

Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

Bob Mahoney/Netflix

If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

Netflix

The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

Netflix

Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.