H&m
Jimmy Choo for H&M This Fall
On November 14, British accessories brand, Jimmy Choo will bring its international glamour, coveted shoes and bags to about 250 H&M stores around the world. To celebrate the collaboration, Jimmy Choo will extend its design vision to create a women’s clothing range for H&M that will complement the accessory capsule. Additionally, this exciting collaboration will include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.
LoveToKnow Interviews Kathryn, CEW Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards, H&M Peek, Bold Jewelry
Do you know where Kathryn’s fave shops for shoes are? What’s a true bargain? Get the scoop from the LoveToKnow Fashion’s interview of Kathryn Finney, the Budget Fashionista!
What do Aveeno, Dove and Ojon have in common this year? Beautiful Makeup Search has the scoop on this year’s best body treatments, via the 2009 CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards.
Be inspired for Spring: Chic Stories has tips on how to wear the most striking bold jewelry this season.
Fasshonaburu Fashion and Shopping Blog gets a sneak peek at one of the priciest collections to hit H&M: Matthew Williamson.
H&M Spring 2009 Look Book, Anti Jeans, Ultimate Packing List for Spring, J.Crew Low Prices
Neutral soft colors, lots of taupe and still edgy; check out an enthusiastic first look at H&M’s Spring 2009 Look Book by In A Word… Fab.
Jezebel picks up on an anti-denim sentiment that’s actually rejoicing in the national economic downturn. But who’s going to let go of the most durable piece of clothing in their wardrobe at this time?
Just in time for spring break! Check out the ultimate packing check-list by Viva Fashion Blog. (Have fun in Puerto Rico next week, Viva!)
Teen Fashionista gives us great news: J.Crew’s planning to expand its lower-priced merchandise and Madewell chain.
H&M Going Green, Again
This spring, H&M is debuting a line of clothes partially made from recycled plastic bottles. This is not the first “green” move the retailer has made; it just recently announced a spring lineup of reasonably priced organic clothing.
H&M, who also partners with UNICEF, is launching the collection just in time for Earth Day (April 22nd). No word yet on the specifics but in the meantime, fashionistas who are both environmentally and budget conscious can dress themselves from head to toe in biodegradable material.
Betsey Johnson Diffusion Line for Target? It Could Happen
Hot on the heels of reports that some top designers have cancelled their Fall 2009 Fashion Week shows, we get this teaser: according to NY Mag, Betsey Johnson (one of the cancelling designers)—and we quote Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon—“is planning a limited-edition design collaboration with a retailer that will likely launch in the fall.”
Speculation? A diffusion line with H&M or—dare we dream?—Target. We adore the cartwheel-turning designer, but we’re not entirely sure how her designs will translate to the mass consumer (floral print corsets and tulle skirts in Omaha? hmmm). That being said, we’re on the edge of our proverbial budget seat.
image courtesy of teenhollywood.com
Mathew Williamson at H&M
British designer Matthew Williamson is partnering with H&M for a new collection, premiering in select stores on April 23, 2009. The collection will feature swimwear, women’s wear and Williamson’s first collection for men.
From the H&M Press Release:
Matthew Williamson burst onto the London fashion scene in 1997, with a color-drenched collection modeled by Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. Since then, Williamson has brought the look of a global traveler to the catwalk with an Ibizan spirit of color showing at New York Fashion Week. Recently honored with an exhibition at the Design Museum in London – “Matthew Williamson – 10 Years in Fashion,” Williamson has a long list of celebrity followers including Gwyneth Paltrow, Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson and Sienna Miller.
Michelle Obama in H&M Dress
While we try to be as politically neutral as possible here on TBF, we have to admit one of our favorite new blogs is Mrs. O, a blog that follows the stylish dressing of Michelle Obama. Not that we think Cindy McCain (we’ve featured her several times) is a slumpy dresser, we just highly doubt that she would rock off the rack mall fashion like Mrs. O.
According to the Mrs. O blog, the dress shown above was purchased off the rack from H&M for $34.95, which would mean the real Mrs.O is watching her pennies like the rest of us.
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Max Azria
What: Max Azria Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009
The Lowdown: After many many shows filled with bold colors and stark contrasts, Max Azria brings us soft and muted. The pieces are lovely, but quite frankly, not very exciting. But lovely nontheless. Max Azria has a way with fabric, for sure, relying heavily on draping and layering to give his very spare pieces their personality. Wide belts were a focus, but rather than the big black belts we’ve seen elsewhere, this collection kept its clean aesthetic with belts that were of the same or similar hue as the garment. The effect is elegant and sophisticated—but it didn’t set our world on fire.
Budget Solution: Just because we weren’t jumping up and down doesn’t mean there aren’t elements we want to take with us for Spring. The draping is beautiful and flattering, so look for drapey—and if you’re confident enough, clingy and body-conscious—dresses in muted hues like beige, cream, gray, taupe, and super pale blue or rose. We like this drapeneck jersey dress at Newport News for example - just $29 on sale now—and American Apparel and H&M might be great sources as the season nears.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
News Alert: Mixing Video Games and Fashion
What: A new design is hitting the aisles at H&M next month: a black and white sporty dress designed by a contest winner on The Sims 2 video game, according to the LA Times. The designs, walked down a virtual runway, were judged by H&M’s designers in Sweden. The winning dress is moving from the TV screen to the hanger.
What We Say: That dress is actually very cute! We’ve played The Sims before—who knew it could become a business venture for its fans? We also can’t help but wonder about the effects of this—will we all become amateur clothes designers now that you can do a sketch on a video game? We’d like a go at it, please!
What do you all think about the winning design? Will you buy it?
Image from LATimes.com
News Alert: H&M Expanding in the South
What: H&M recently opened its first full-concept store in the Southeast, according to WWD. It’s located in the Atlantic Center in Atlanta, GA. There’s two floors of women’s,men’s, children’s, accessories, lingerie and swimwear. It’s the first store in the Southeast to boast offerings from Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, and Karl Lagerfeld.
What We Say: We’re so happy that the beauty of H&M has reached the Southeast, but we’re surprised it wasn’t there already. The aisles that overflow with pieces fresh from the pages of fashion magazines. The ability to buy an entire outfit and accessories for less than 100 bucks. Designer clothes are no longer limited to NY’s Fifth Avenue. Smaller H&M’s are already open in the Southeast, but nothing compares to their full-concept store. Hopefully, they’ll open more in different Southern states soon.
Photo from trend911.com
Flower Power - British Style on a Budget
THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD
Natalie gives us her take on the latest British style trends and how to get them on a budget
I can’t wait for summer to begin so I can throw on a pretty floral tea dress and go picnicking with my friends in the gorgeous British countryside. The Spring/Summer shows offered a whole bouquet for us to feast our eyes on. Pansies and poppies bloomed on sculpted jackets and pelmet skirts at Balenciaga, and Prada embraced romance in their Cruise collection, with dramatic dirndl skirts bedecked with blossoms. Go full-skirted yourself with New Look’s flowery recreation, at only £25 ($49). And the utterly fabulous British designer Luella Bartley returned to our shores with prom dresses, pleated skirts, and secretary blouses in floral prints, punked up with spiky skater boots. I saved my pennies and splashed out on one of her fun Batman t-shirts, but have been wearing it with Topshop’s very ‘Luella’ flower-print ra-ra skirt, for an affordable £30 ($59), and a little birdie tells me that you can pick up a button-up shirt very similar to Lu’s, for only £12 ($24), at Matalan.
Summertime means parties, parties and more parties. But what to wear… Try H&M’s strapless prom dress, patterned with a flurry of florals – at £24.99 ($49) you’ll still have money left over to buy yourself a Pimm’s. If you want to be part of the petal parade but fear that you’ll end up looking like your Great Aunt Betty, pick flower power accessories, such as Topshop’s £6 ($12) carved rose ring, or pay homage to Carrie Bradshaw in anticipation of the SATC movie by pinning an oversized corsage onto your blouse – Johnny and Rosie’s giant rose pin (£25/$49) is my absolute favourite, but H&M offer thriftier versions. One day I’ll save enough to own an Hermes scarf, but until then, New Look’s flowery alternative at £8 ($16) will do nicely. Until the sun comes out here, I’ll fight the unrelenting English rain with a rosy umbrella from the Princess of the Posies, Cath Kidston. Blooming marvellous.
Runway pictures courtesy of style.com.
Background image: Paris Rose linen fabric from Cath Kidston.
Yea or Nay: Kylie Minogue Swimwear Line for H&M
The latest entrant in the celebrity-turned-designer is breast cancer survivor and Chelsea boy favorite, Kylie Minogue. The Australian pop star is designing (ummm, yeah) the limited edition “H&M Loves Kylie” swimwear line for H&M that will be in stores in mid May.
From the press release:
This concise beachwear perfectly mirrors Kylie’s relaxed fun-loving demeanor, as well as her show-stopping stage persona in a line that unites simple throw- on casual with glistening glamour. Think shimmering silver bikinis, vibrant water-inspired aqua blue and green swirl-print towels, bags and sarongs as well as slip-on smock tops and billowy peasant skirts. In homage to beach living, the beachwear line is built around a swirling water-inspired aqua blue and green print, which appears on fluffy towels, crisp cotton-voile smock tops, the retro-cute halter neck bikini and costume as well as on a silk head scarf that doubles as a belt and a high-tech nylon beach bag that folds down into a smart silver wallet-shape.
While, I’m TIRED of the celebrity-turned-designer trend, for some reason this line is actually starting to grow on me like that one Kylie Minogue song they use in those Bally Fitness club commercials (“La, La, La… lalalaaala”). I actually like Kylie’s style (or least what her stylist does with her) and I loved her bold battle with breast cancer. Furthermore, the price points of the line are great ($24.50 for a swimsuit, $19.90 for a sarong, etc) making it quite comparable to the highly touted Patrick Robinson swimwear line for Target’s Go International. Plus 10% of the money spent on this beachwear line will be donated to WaterAid. The international charity WaterAid is dedicated to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest people.
Yea or Nay: The H&M Loves Kylie Swimwear Line?
Unveiled: M by Madonna Collection at H&M
My girl Christine at 15 Minute Beauty sent me a link to images from the new M by Madonna collection at H&M. Now, this isn’t the fashion blind item I posted about two weeks ago (all I can say about that is that it involves a recent fashion icon (but not Paris/Lindsey/Nicole, etc.) and a truly budget- friendly family sportswear oriented superstore), but the collection does look like it will be quite wearable and accessible.
The collection will be available in stores this month.
P.S. Is it just me or does it seem like H&M is raising their prices?
H&M: Hot New Looks for Spring
H&M recently released pictures of items from it’s Spring/Summer 2007 line, which is pretty much everything you (or your mom) wore the summer of 1973. Some of the items, like the swing coat with the Peter Pan collar shown above is very cute. Other stuff, like the high waisted jeans, should have stayed in the 70s.
View H&M’s Spring Collection
Here’s a great article about Spring/Summer 2007’s retro revival
Holiday 2006: Viktor and Rolf Collection at H&M TODAY
Shoppers get your game face on… Viktor & Rolf’s collection for H&M hits stores today.
This collection may be the first time a higher end designer has actually provided a “theme” for a lower-end mass market collection. The designers used love (specifically cupid) as the driving force behind the collection- with heart shaped pockets, prints, patterns, etc dominant in the women’s collections and arrow prints, patchwork, etc dominant in the men’s collection.
Now here’s what I find interesting… V&R included a wedding dress (priced around $300) in their collection (as well as a tuxedo for men). Now, the dress isn’t exactly top-of-the-line Vera Wang, but it’s better than anything you could find at your local David’s Bridal. The rest of the collection is pretty solid- the red silk dress and the fit ‘n’ flare trench coat are both notable standouts. The pricing is, well, cheaper than Saks but more expensive than Target.
Who should buy this collection: Urban Socialites, European Expats, People over 5 ft 4in (cause the proportions are clearly made for taller peeps), reformed goth dressers
A detailed description of the collection from H&M:
WOMEN’S COLLECTION
Styles: tuxedo, pea coat and trench coat, down ski jacket, classic trousers and jeans, a white cotton shirt with pin tucks, feminine silk crepe blouses with ruffles or pin tucks, silk georgette bow top, skirts in wool crepe and silk and a heart sweatshirt.
Knitwear: angora bow jumpers, bow satin cardigans.
Eveningwear: couture inspired dresses with ruffles, draping and bows.
Lingerie: femme fatale silk satin bras and knickers with bows, a camisole and a kimono dressing gown, soft cotton bras and knickers with bows as well as a tank top.
Wedding: silk duchesse wedding dress Accessories: two pair of high heel shoes in suede, a silk scarf.
Colours: black, forest green, grey, nude, off white and raspberry red.MEN’S COLLECTION
Styles: shirts, pea coat and trench coat, wool and corduroy trousers and cotton sweatshirt.
Knitwear: argyle sweater
Eveningwear: tuxedo, denim blazer, checked blazer.
Underwear: cotton jersey boxer shorts, briefs and tank tops with bows or woven cotton boxer shorts and a classic pyjama.
Accessories: trainers, brogue shoes, spectacles, bow tie, silk socks.
Colours: black, dark green, raspberry red, grey and off white.
Plaid is Back: Fall 2006 Fashion Preview
Inspired by the rise of British fashion houses like Chloe and Alexander Mc Queen (and the British pound), plaid is back for fall. Whether you’re sporting a traditional Burberry plaid or the lumber jack checkered plaid, you should have at least one plaid piece in your wardrobe.
A perfect example of the emergence of plaid is the Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. I love this dress so much, that If I happened to have $500 lying around this fall (which I guarantee, I won’t), I would definitely add it to my closet. The dress, made from silk taffeta , is available online at Intermix for $465.00.
Now, for those of us unable to spend $500 on a dress, by early fall I’m sure H&M, Zara, Forever 21 or even Jones New York will have a version (although probably not in silk) for a fraction of the cost. If you happen to have the skill of sewing and/or are inspired by the return of Project Runway, then you can try to recreate this dress yourself. This is a pretty common pattern and the only obstacle may be finding the material.
H&M in the News
H&M, our favorite high-goes-low store has been in the new recently. Here’s some snippets from a few postings online at the British site Fashionunited.co.uk (sign up for their brilliant newsletters!).
Launches new line—Harmony.Swedish fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz has introduced Harmony, a new one-off collection for women which will launch in September. The collection will feature soft, body-skimming, feminine pieces that easily transcend the separation between evening, homewear and athletic wear. H&M wants to show women how to mix and match to carry over from day to evening and back again. The accent is on comfort and a personalized style.
TBF Note: Prices ranging from 7.90-14.90 pounds. I’m not sure if the line will be available stateside.
Going High end. Swedish fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz is going to launch a new retail formula for men and women next year. The new chain, which will have a brand new name, is geared towards a higher market segment and will carry higher-priced items….
Labor Issues. The Mail reported that H&M employees in Germany went on TV claiming that the firm bullies union activists, threatens staff who criticise it and spies on its workers. One woman said “like many of my colleagues, I was told to put in a daily report on peoples phone conversations or chats in the office, all under threat of dismissal if I did not cooperate”....
TBF Note: Now I would like see to those who crucified me for shopping at Wal-Mart stop shopping at H&M. All major retailers are culprits in one way or another.
Marketers think Madonna’s too old to be the face of H&M. Madonna has hit back at claims she is too old to represent fashion chain store H&M. Her spokesperson insists the 47-year-old has more energy than an 18-year-old… , plus.. Madonna has confirmed she and her dancers will wear H&M off-stage for the remainder of her sold-out tour “Confessions” world tour.
TBF Note: Madonna has more style in her left pinky toe than all the Hollywood starlets (and their stylists) combined
Searching for Counterfeiters. Hennes & Mauritz have enlisted the services of MarkMonitor, the leader in online corporate identity protection to help identify and eliminate online counterfeit and gray market sales of its fashion lines on illegal Internet auction listings…
TBF Note: Exactly how cheap do you have to be to buy a counterfeit H&M product.
Children’s Clothing on a Budget
I never knew how hard it was to find affordable, age appropriate clothing for children until I became an aunt. It’s next to impossible to find a cute dress for a girl for under $50. Is it too much to ask to pay less for a boys suit than I pay for a suit for my husband? After 9 years as an aunt and now that I’m starting a family of my own, I’m a woman on a mission to find adorable children’s fashions without going into bankruptcy.
Here’s what I’ve found so far. . .
Dressing girls
Most of us struggle to find clothing for girls that don’t make your favorite five-year-old look like a midget Paris Hilton. Of course there’s the usual suspects— Old NavyChildren’s Place, and GapKids. These stores offer fun, but age appropriate items for your bidding fashionista at reasonable prices. But my favorite store for girls is H&M. H&M has some of cutest clothing for girls at even cheaper prices than the GapKids
. Another favorite is Target. The best store to bargain shop for girls is at Target. The options are limitless and the clothes are well constructed with most items in the $10-$17 range. Plus shopping at target is very acceptable (unlike K-MART), so you can save money without worry about the “cool” factor. When shopping these stores remember this tip: always buy items like pants and jackets one size up, so that it can last into the beginning of the following year.
Dressing boys
It seems like the designers of boys clothing are hell-bent on making them look like little action heroes. Bargain shopping for these tykes is an art form that few know how to do. Target has great stuff for little guys, with Children’s Place giving the most for your bucks. However, SEARS is also a great place to find cute little items from designers like Sean John and Levi, for very reasonable prices. Although Old Navy is great place for basics like Cargo pants, the really cool stuff is at GapKids
. Bright colored lumberjack jackets and knit caps will keep your little guy looking stylish. Another good place is Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx. Usually both these stores have nice suits from designers like Polo Ralph Lauren for such a bargain that you could also pick them up a a pair of dress shoes to complete the outfit.
Dressy outfits
When you want to spend a little more on either a good suit or party dress, head to the outlets of the big expensive department stores, like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. The outlets of these stores all have children departments, with designers like Betsey Johnson and Ralph Lauren for kids. Nordstrom has an amazing selection of shoes for little ones as well.
Avoid department stores that tend to price children’s clothing at the same price point as adults. There is no justification for a 4T Ralph Lauren Skirt to cost that same as an adult skirt. However, if you’re a department store shopper try stores like Macys, which offer great deals on children’s clothing during their major sale events, and SEARS, where the clothes are guaranteed to last thru at least one kickball season.
Saving grace - The internet
The Internet has revolutionized shopping for children. Long gone are the days of having to meander through stores with a screaming three-year-old. Put the kids to bed, grab a cup of chamomile tea and start to shop. Check out these great online stores:
GapKids- A wide selection of causal and dress clothes for girls and boys. Great clearance section.
Zappos.com- Great selection of shoes from designers like Bibi and Kenneth Cole.
Target.com - Cheap and Cool. A great combo.
Overstock.com - A wide selection and rock bottom prices. Great for coats.
Babystyle- Adorable clothing for babies and toddlers. Make sure to search Google for coupon codes before shopping at the store.
Madonna Designs for H&M
According the newsletter, FASHIONWATCH, Madonna has designed a limited edition tracksuit for H&M which will premier in store sometime later this summer. No word on whether or not the tracksuit will be available nationwide or in select stores. Madonna will also be the face of the new H&M ad campaign.
TopShop Looking for Space in Manhattan
According to the shopping grapevine, the British H&M TopShop, is scouting locations for a mega store in Manhattan. The estimated 60,000+ store featuring contemporary designs at prices falling somewhere between H&M and Zara, would open in Spring 2007.
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