H&M
We came in for a nice surprise when we entered the Regent Street store recently. It is very inviting and the merchandising is spot on. This is a nice change from some of their other stores, which sometimes look like a large jumble sale rather than a serious shopping experience!
H & M can be a bit too on trend. Watch out that you don't end up looking like a caricature of their latest trend! Speaking of which, SS10 at H&M brings us the 80's trend. The whole store screams out 80's, 80's and more 80's! There are some fab items to pick up. We do caution to watch closely and listen to your rational side ladies and gentlemen!
Even if you don't like their current trend, just wait a couple of weeks and it will all change. H&M have about 10 seasons a year! So, there is alot to choose from ALL year round here!
Away from the really on trend stuff, there are some great staples to be had. Cute bikinis from a tenner. Throw on dresses can be picked up from £9. You can even pick up a cocktail maxi dress in Matthew Williamson style from £19.95.
H&M feature in The Good Shopping Guide as a ethical retailer which is a great plus point for shopping in this store. Hurrah, we hear you cry, you can shop with a conscience! That said, we were a little disappointed in their Organic Cotton Collection. More about that below!
Come here for on trend seasonal clothes at very No Knickers prices! Fur Coat spied a fab sequined bikini! Oh yes, she is going to dare No Knickers to wear it on her holiday in Spain later this year!. We also love H&M for their wardrobe staples each season! Don't expect any service on the shop floor and get ready for the long lines at the tills!
The shopping List
- Cute Summer dresses @ £39
- Really cute tee shirt dresses with rouched sleeves £9.95 in loads of different colours and patterns. What a winner for the beach!
- Bubble gold and cream skirt (from their 80's collection) £39
- Sequins for those nights out at a club. Sequin bomber jacket for £29.95
- Denim play suit £29.95
- Great range of bikinis and swimmers. All come in separates so that you can mix and match! Tops from £3.99 and bottoms from £5.99.
- Polyester "Matthew Williamson" style dresses with fab prints. Great for nights by the pool. £19.95
- Belts £10
- Printed scarves £9
- Blatant plastic cheap looking retro bags £29+
- Jersey tops particularly pretty camisoles 9+
- Organic cotton clothing. Although price often matches quality, H+M cottons seem to be quite durable.
- Collaborative designs with Fur Coat designers as well as up and coming designers.
- Cheap but decent looking flip flops £4
- Umbrellas are fab and often retro £5
- Cool jewellery at fab No Knickers prices. Necklaces from £6.99 and earrings from £3.
Purchase With Care
Quality Alert!
Always check the other garments in the same range. You may find that there can be a slight difference in colour tone, fit and stitching. Some items are better than others.
Drab Factor Alert! Watch the Organic Range
You may think that you are helping to save the world by buying from this range, but do watch for the drab factor. We were not impressed by their Spring range. The culottes were very boring at £12.95 and the skirts were very uninspiring and a world away from the the concept of "on trend" at £17.95. Lining Alert!
It's a shame, but there is often either no lining or a very sparse lining in their jackets and skirts etc. You need to be very careful with this because clothes can lose their shape quickly and can look cheap and very flimsy.
Sizing
H&M's sizing can be totally random. Even if you are a definitive size, you will need to try the item on as the size of the clothes may bear no resemblance to your body shape. Car Boot Style Shopping Experience
We find H&M a very difficult environment to shop in. Clothes are everywhere, in piles, off hangers, on the floor and there doesn't seem to be great air conditioning..the perfect environment to make you want to head for the door and leave.
Does H&M need to diversify their range?
FCaNK thinks so! Their ranges are quite similar each year and they need an injection of fresh designs to keep them up to date. That said, they have certainly made huge in - roads with their fur coat designer collaborations.
Accessories
Jewellery is quite limited. If you are buying beads, keep them simple unless you are going for a satirical retro trash look! Belts and scarves are definitely worth a look!
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