H&M Ankle boots
Love these burgundy ankle boots (also comes in black) – great price point at $50. |
H&M Wedge Sneakers
These sneakers will give you height but without the bling of most wedge sneaker styles out there – simple and sleek. Currently $35 |
H&M Colored Sneakers
Fun colored sneaker option for $15! These will show their wear quickly but great for 1 summer – You may tire of the color anyways. |
H&M Socks for Flats
Those of you who wear flats frequently may want to check out the slip on socks that protect your shoes from sweat and your feet from blisters – very cheap at H&M! |
Archives for August 2013
Store Savvy: How to shop at H&M
I’m a fan of H&M. They’re based out of Sweden and their aesthetic reflects that – european, chic, simple and modern. They have a great selection of affordable, on-trend pieces, but with the affordable prices comes spotty quality and fit. Today I’ll share secrets to help you navigate H&M quality to make the most of your shopping experience, including shopping their new online store!
Take advantage of:
- Accessories – This is one of my favorite stores for scarves, fun bags, shoes, and accessories. They offer a great selection and it changes often.
- Trendy pieces – If there’s a trendy item you’re on the lookout for, check out H&M. Trendy pieces can sometimes only be worn 1-2 seasons so it’s best not to spend a lot of money on them. Save your dough for quality pieces you’ll wear often.
- Coats – H&M consistently has an excellent coat and jacket selection. They may not last forever, but they’ll be stylish and keep you warm at a great price. Perfect for those of you looking for a good buy.
- Affordable office-wear – H&M has a professional clothing section. The quality can be hit or miss but you can sometimes find a unique dress or blazer at a great price. Be careful to consider whether items will wrinkle easily or show their wear quickly.
- Short season pieces – By short season, I’m referring to weather that only lasts a few months out of the year. This depends on where you live. For example, in Seattle, hot weather only last 2 months, 3 if we’re lucky! It makes sense to spend less on those items because you won’t wear them often but you may still want variety. H&M is a great store for this because of the price points.
- Basics – At the checkout counter there’s often a bin of socks, tights, and patterned/colored umbrellas for less than $10. Stock up!
Be cautious of:
- Quality – The most frustrating part of shopping at H&M is that quality varies significantly. Be wary of items that wrinkle easily, catch fuzz, or show their wear quickly. You may find items are thin and require an extra layer so underwear lines aren’t visible.
- Fit – Fit goes hand in hand with quality. Sometimes corners are cut and fit suffers. Armholes and sleeves may be large, shirts may be boxy, coats lining may be skimpy. Be critical.
- Sweaters – While you may get away with a cheap blouse or woven shirt, I find that poor quality sweaters do you no favors. They can make you look wider/fatter, stretch easily, and generally make you look the opposite of polished. Be very, very picky when it comes to knits and know that you’ll need to care for them (wash in cold water, don’t put in dryer).
Online store – Check out my previous post about the new US H&M online store
- Stick to accessories – The online store return policy will cost you a pretty penny if you don’t like the items, so be careful. I suggest sticking to accessories for now. I suspect they’ll soon provide the ability to return items to their stores so you can save on return shipping, but as it stands now you’ll pay $5.95 both ways. ($5.95 x 2 )= $11.90 just to try on items! It’s hard to justify that cost when you’re buying lower-priced pieces.
With this shopping information, you’re ready to shop H&M! I’ll be sharing my favorite pieces from the online store (though I still recommend trying them on in person to save on shipping). Stay tuned!
Style Ruts: 4 ballet flat alternatives
This post is for those of you who love flats but need some variety. Maybe you find yourself reaching for the same ballet flats over and over? Even worse, the same black flats? Maybe it’s time to spice things up and look at alternative closed-toe flat shoes. Here are some ideas and in-store options to get you out of your style rut!
1. Athletic flats – These are a combination of ballet flat and sneakers. Puma, Nike, and other athletic shoe companies will have options. They create a more sleek look than running/athletic shoes and can be incredibly comfortable.
2. Oxfords – Oxfords have been in for a couple of years now and they’ll be around for years to come. Very practical, comfortable. Can be worn casually or formally depending on the style. Wear oxfords with a feminine pieces, such as a blouse or skirt, and you have a nice juxtaposition of masculine and feminine – very modern. You’ll find oxfords everywhere and in an assortment of colors.
3. Loafers – Loafers can be tricky to style because they are associated with a mature, older look. Consider a bright color loafer and wear with trendy pieces so as not to date yourself or look older than you are!
4. Fashion sneakers – Think Toms/Keds/Converse. Iconic casual sneakers, not clunky, heavy sneakers. Pair them with unexpected pieces: blazers, skirts, feminine blouses and you’ll create a sophisticated look.
Style Inspiration: Utility Vests
Utility vests can be a surprisingly versatile item. Wear in the Summer over dresses, tees, and tanks and also in the Fall and Winter by layering. You can belt them, wear them open, cropped, oversized. Here are 4 utility vest looks to give you outfit inspiration, vote for your favorite!
#2 – angelamatina.com
Newsflash: H&M opens US online store
Finally! H&M opened their online store to US customers today. You can browse and purchase at: http://www.hm.com/us
It’s a good start for the retailer but looks like they have a way to go. Note:
- Shipping – Must pay for shipping both ways ($5.95 each way) no matter the size or price of the purchase.
- Returns – Normal 30 day policy but currently can’t return to brick and mortar H&M stores
For now, I’ll be using the site to scope out trends and window shop. I have an H&M store within a mile so I can easily pop in to try on items, but the online store will open up your options if you don’t live near a store! Enjoy 🙂
Zip Picks: NAS 2013 Jackets and Coats
For background on Nordstrom Anniversary sale, check previous posts: Intro to NAS, NAS 2013 Overview. Items are on sale through Aug 4th.
For the last installment of NAS 2013 favorites, I’ve saved what I consider the best for last: jackets! I absolutely love jackets and coats. NAS is a special treat for me because I get a sneak peek into the upcoming Fall offerings – very fun!
It may seem too soon to think about jackets and coats but there are great deals to be had. Below you’ll find lightweight jackets, blazers, trendy options, and winter coats. Enjoy!
(L) Halogen Boucle Bomber
The bomber is the “it” jacket of 2013. Here is a professional option and a casual option. I love the boucle bomber purple color and the leather accents add a nice edge. |
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(L) Halogen Hooded Leather Jacket
(R) Laundry by Shelli Segal Anorak (Online Only) Casual jackets that fit well and flatter. The hooded leather jacket is a client favorite – Beautiful construction. The anorak is comfy and practical but still form-fitting with the elastic waist. Note that it is online only so won’t be found in stores. |
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(L) Elie Tahari Minka Metallic Jacket
(R) Halogen Faux Leather Trim Jacket High quality, structured jackets for the professional woman. These 2 are beautiful in person, very well-made. |
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(L) Olivia Moon Knit Blazer (R) Nic + Zoe Knit Motorcycle JacketKnit blazer options that act as a nice alternative to cardigans. The Olivia Moon blazer is very comfortable and cozy but still structured. |
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(L) Burberry Brit Quilted Jacket
(R) Michael Kors Quilted Field Jacket (Online Only) For those of you who like the quilted, puffy jacket, here are 2 sporty jackets to keep you warm. Beautiful colors and defined at the waist. |
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(L) Calvin Klein Leather Moto Jacket
(R) Halogen Cutaway Leather Jacket Leather jackets for a great price. The moto is a classic cut and the cutaway jacket acts as a blazer – Perfect for the office! |
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(L) Trina Turk Double Breasted Officer’s Coat
Very classic coats. The Trina Turk may be overwhelming on small frames but great for tall, statuesque women. Love the white Micheal Kors coat. It has a subtle ribbed texture. |
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(L) Guess Double Breasted Coat
(R) Elie Tahari Double Breasted Coat Structured double breasted wool coats- not in black! It can be difficult to find non-black winter coats – These 2 are my favorites of this year.
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