I see H & M in the magazines all the time. I’ve always wanted to check it out. Finally this past November, H & M came to Downtown Portland just 25 minutes away. Rumor had it that it was so crazy busy before Christmas that I decided to stay away. It took an impromptu trip to Seattle in February (2.5 hour drive) to get me to H & M. Go figure!
I love to shop in Downtown Seattle. I can sum up H & M pretty quickly. I think there are many great, stylish and contemporary choices if you are a smaller size. I can be anywhere from a size Small to Large. Overall I carry the majority of my weight in my torso; in many brands I’m a Large.
I loved walking in the store and seeing all the great colors. They do a wonderful job of merchandising. I immediately wanted to try on so many things. But when I did, I soon realized that things were not going to fit me well. I also was a little concerned about the quality and construction of many of the garments—especially some of the sweaters. The short trench coat was great—just didn’t fit well or flatter my body type. I really needed the largest size they had and even then that was a stretch. Yikes!
So is H & M an option? Absolutely! I would definitely check it out. And I will go back.
I’ve shared my philosophy about cost per wear. Now let’s talk about WHERE to put your money.
Overall, I love to get quality, expensive pieces for much less. But sometimes there is a time to skimp. I definitely think you can get by for less quality with layering pieces and contemporary styles that you might not want to last for 3-4 years. If you’re the type of person who gets sick of your clothes quickly, or simply loves trends, then by all means spend less on each piece.
Where do I cut the corners? Layering pieces and accessories. I put my money into nicer jackets, sweaters and coats because this is what gives that first impression. I want an excellent fit and unique combination. I do not buy high end jeans. I have one pair and they were on sale. I love them—just don’t want to put my money there. On the other hand, if you have a really hard time finding flattering jeans that fit, this is where you want to put your money. Again—a great fit makes an awesome first impression.
H & M is an affordable way to get some current trends without paying a fortune!
After I decided I wasn’t going to spend my money there, we went to check out the men’s section. My 16 year old is quite particular about his clothes. He found some great things that were different and of course affordable. The jury is still out on the quality because some things have shrunk. But then again he’s learning to do his laundry and what should go in the dryer and what stays out.
Check out H & M if you have one nearby and let me know what you think.
I too had been hearing all the hype and when I was at Washington Square a couple of weeks ago I checked it out. I did not see at that location what your photos showed for Seattle, it was a disaster, incredibly messy looking and I felt alot of the items were very low budget not in just price but in quality. I love bargains and I don’t mind things not lasting a long time but I certainly want them to last more than one washing and with what I saw at the Washington Square location I wasn’t confident that I was going to get what I needed. I am going to Seattle this weekend and will try and check that one out.
Thanks for the input Tami. I do not like messy stores. I’m going to the Washington Square one soon and I’ll check it out. I was there in Feb and probably have new things in.
I’ve never been to one. Is is comparable to Old Navy? Kind of chaotic, inexpensive, trends floating through every week?
I would say it is a step above Old Navy. Old Navy certainly has its place and I think H & M does too.
I think it is too funny that you posted on H&M this week! I was in Pioneer Place picking up a birthday gift for one of my girls and saw the store. I too had been wanting to check them out since my girlfriend in New Jersey had talked about how they were all the rage during our visit last August. Although I didn’t have the time or interest this visit to try anything on, I too got the impression that perhaps the cost per wear on some items may be in question and immediately thought I would want to air dry any items to avoid excessive shrinkage. I did love some of what I saw and felt that when I am ready to purhcase, the store would be a great option for some of the more trendy pieces that I may wish to add. Thanks for the great post!
I think your girls would love it! I plan to pay another visit because it’s never fair to judge a store w/o giving it several chances. Thanks for your comment!