As much of a shock as it will be for all of you out there – YES, I did go shopping this past weekend (I still have the distinct feeling that I haven’t accrued all the necessary fall essentials… shoes being my biggest problem at the moment). But I digress… As a recessionista I have abandoned the over-priced boutiques and department stores in exchange for fashion forward lower end options (who at the moment actually have better wares). Style note: It’s typically ok to spend less on your separates but a liability to go cheap with your shoes and handbag – these two items are always a dead giveaway that you aren’t designer head-to-toe!
Anywho, back to my shopping excursion… It was a busy autumn day at the mall with loads of tweens
be-bopping around in their less than thrilling Ugg boots and hiked up sweats and of course the slow moving octogenarians who seem to take up the entire pathway most of whom were navigating the marble retail jungle in their nude colored Naturalizers. I wasn’t side-tracked by the other mall visitors though mostly because I was so focused on my mission at hand getting to H&M! Yes, I said it, H&M… I was determined to get through the door and check out all the great stuff all my fashion-y friends kept telling me about. I heard about great coats, belts, etc… and of course even better, the cheap price tags! Typically, I am reluctant to be swallowed up by the H&M entry-way, I find the clothes to usually be poorly merchandised and the help to be non-existent. This time however, I was delighted by the separates that I came across. The sweaters were terrific as were the jackets and coats. I am also partial to this retailers accessories -love to love the belts, scarves, and hair bands – check it all out… You will be pleasantly amazed.
Guys, I was also totally digging the male selection. Forget about Express, if you want some cool shirts and jackets H&M is the way to go. The prices, like I mentioned are on the low side and the style isn’t lacking in the least. If you’re a bit on the creative side, check out the accessories as well – I noticed a lot of cool hats and belts that would make any gentleman stand out in a crowd.
The sales this retailer provides are also worth checking out. Many times I have nabbed a sweet piece or two for under $20! Happy shopping!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
H&M carries mostly cheap, foreign made clothing. You definitely get what you pay for. Don’t expect there clothes to last more than one season. You’d be better off shopping at the Village Discount Outlet.
Village Discount is good if you like moth balls & basement mildew… stick to H&M.
Tim H: Yes, H&M is not the place to go if you’re looking for high quality duds – that’s overstating the obvious… This retailer is known for replicating fashionable trendy pieces at affordable prices, and let’s face it, most trendy pieces are good for one season only anyway, then it’s time to move on… Would I buy my wardrobe staples at H&M? No, probably not. Would I buy a knit beanie for $8 that I know I will want to get rid of in a year – Yep, in a heartbeat. And one more thing, I too have a soft spot for vintage shops (although I have to agree with Carlos many of them smell like grandma’s damp basement) but many people don’t have the knack, nor the patience to sift through what is mostly junk. Lower end retailers like H&M for instance can help inspire those with less style sense, with in-store signage and mannequin displays that show off the latest and greatest in the most current way.
Thanks Jane!! Obviously when purchasing a sweater for 19.99 at H&M one should not expect it to last a lifetime……
I love H & M….it’s always good for a couple of trendy pieces. I always for get that it not that far away.
Thanks for the reminder.