Anyway H&M had started their 4th of July deals and the lines were CRAZY but the deals were even crazier. I had to take a picture of this because I don't think I have ever seen something marked down to $1, except for kids socks:
This was an exception though and justified by the fact that they were "spare" bottoms or tops, most of the 4th of July deals were $4 which is still a great deal if you ask me. I try to use some rules when shopping at H&M and the first rule concerns the materials. You have to be careful, a lot of it is poly and they even have a poly that they use for tee shirts and looks like cotton. Even if I try not to buy poly as principle sometimes there are exceptions, but I am pretty sure I don't want a poly tee shirt, especially one to wear on the beach (they even have something called "recycled poly" that even if could fall under the category of "green" I am not buying). On the other side, they also have cotton and organic cotton for slightly more money and when you find a design that you like in a natural material the quality and look of the product is often comparable to much more expensive stores.
I found the shorts and a few other things that I want to share. All in all I paid $30 out of pocket (I had a store credit) so I am pretty happy, even if the only real "deal" were the shorts, that were on sale for $7.
I have Europe in mind now when I purchase something because I am leaving earlier than usual and spending more than a month there this year, with a lot of travelling around and flight hopping. I have to update you and I will have a dedicated post on this but basically Jordan is out and Greece is in (I joke but it has been a painful decision to cancel our trip to Jordan due to the political situation in the area. However, I am pretty much excited to go to Athens instead, where I haven't been in more than twenty years). So I was specifically looking for suitcase-friendly and breathable clothes when I was at H&M (there is no way I am packing poly).
The first thing I laid my eyes on is a grey denim mini. This one reminded me a lot of something that I would see at Maje or Zadig and Voltaire for of course a lot more. It fit pretty well too, in fact it looked awesome with the espadrilles that I was wearing. I tried it with an embellished tank that I also brought home (the skirt was $24.50 and the tank $17.50). For reference I am a 6 in bottoms at H&M and a 4 or XS in tops (skirt is a 6 and top is a XS):
Now, I know that the two can read a bit trashy or sports bar together so I am not sure I would wear them like this. The other top that I bought, in a WONDERFULLY lightweight cotton, is probably a better match for the skirt because it "classy-fies" the outfit, so to speak. I was a bit undecided on the top because I wasn't sure it was really "me" and I knew one of the reasons I was attracted to it is that I had just seen a similar top in a high-end store for a completely crazy price, but since there was only one in my size (went down to a 2 in this one) and I had the store credit I decided to get it while I could and think about it (I could have put it on hold but the idea of coming back and staying in a line like that again dissuaded me). As soon as I got home I tried it with the skirt and I was totally smitten:
But what really sealed the deal is that I had the idea of trying it with the mini in neon embroidered floral and they are PERFECT together because the applique on the top is made of almost identical flowers. In fact if you have this mini I encourage you to go to the closest H&M and brave the lines to get this top, they are exquisite together (the top is part of the L.O.G.G. collection (the grungy one, with a lot of plaid tops and flower power skirts and tee) that is usually located on the second floor in the H&M stores. As I said I sized down to a 2. Here you can see that it is very sheer but personally I don't mind, again, it is wonderful to wear on a hot day:
I love this top so much that I am wearing it again today with the $7 shorts (size 6). This is a very cheap outfit but it doesn't look it at all IMO, especially with a sparkly necklace:
I am probably going back for another pair of shorts (they come in a few colors including black).
What do you think of my cheapies? Have you stopped at H&M recently? Any crazy deal to report?
I am now going there tomorrow to find that top!!!!! I do get the odd good deal there and I agree - many of the items can be comparable to more expensive brands!
ReplyDeleteYay - Greece!! The Parthenon is calling your name!!!
Wendy that top should be totally up your alley (it also comes in a canary yellow). I forgot to mention the price ($24.50, not a crazy deal but it is worth it IMO).
DeleteHi Ema,
ReplyDeleteSorry about Jordan, but totally understandable. And the good news is there are some equally wonderful spots in Greece including Med restos, of course (barring strike craziness, fingers crossed.) Really like your last outfit, does look far more than you paid, always satisfying. (I now find hard to spend on true summer clothes mostly, since season so short, I am mostly tired of whatever by next time it is hot.)
I really like that top on you and think it looks brilliant with the neon mini -- will be great for city touring this summer! I had not been in an H&M for several years but stopped in recently after some frustration with other retailers in trying to find a simple black pencil skirt and pair of summer work trousers. The JCrew pencils were just too expensive, nothing was a particularly good deal on eBay, and nothing else struck me. I was so pleased to find a very simple black pencil at H&M for $24.50. Not the deal of the century, but I was more than pleased with it, especially after an annoyingly protracted search.
ReplyDeleteI really like that top as well. It is really a find, as is the grey skirt. I am sure that most these items are all made in the same factories anyway. Have a great trip!
ReplyDeleteTrashy or sports bar...you're funny, Ema. I love the pretty H&M top and the skirt in cute on you, too. The flowers are perfectly placed for coverage. Thanks for sharing these :)
ReplyDeleteLove the outfit with the neon mini Ema!
ReplyDeleteHi Ema -- your neon floral embroidered skirt went on sale for $89.99. :)
ReplyDelete