Category: H&M

The animals in my closet

9/3/2014

Animal prints are classic & seem to me to convey a little old Hollywood grace & glamour.

Here are the animals in my closet...

I began in 2010 by ordering just a zebra-print belt from Boden >>

I also bought a couple other leopard-print belts at Forever 21 for next to nothing & an animal-print microfiber purse from Amazon.

Boden still carries a similar belt:

Boden Waldour Waist Belt, $38

J. Crew dress, Boden belt

Last year, I found this leopard-print dress at Land's End for under $30. Very easy to wear.

Land's End dress, GAP maternity cardigan

Land's End Women's Petite Sleeveless Pattern Ponté Welt Pocket Dress, $29.99

My youngest son's very favorite item of mine is this leopard-print cardigan because it's so soft. I got at H&M for $5;
I noticed over the weekend they still carry them in store for $14.95.

F21 fake leather skirt, GAP top, H&M cardigan, Boden boots

Over the summer, I came across this animal-print skirt from Banana Republic that I managed to snag for the "kill price" of $9.50.

Photobombed by my son! :-)

J. Crew Factory crewneck sweater, Banana Republic skirt, Madewell necklace, Denver Museum of Nature & Science cuff, Piperlime sandals

Banana Republic Heritage Animal Print Jacquard Cargo Mini, $39.99. (I called the flagship store in S.F. to get the kill price!)

I'd always wanted animal-print shoes with mid-heels, & I finally got some from Sole Society.

Sole Society Isabelle pumps

Sole Society Isabelle, $69.95

These subtly-printed crops go with everything gray does & helped update my pant selection.

Anthropologie sweater, Boden crops

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $26.40

My latest acquisition is this leopard-print sweatshirt from H&M.

H&M sweatshirt, GAP shirt, Urban Outfitters jeans

H&M sweatshirt, $9.95

H&M Sweatshirt, $12.95

So what about you? Do you own many animal-print pieces? Did you buy them recently or in the past?

You may also like...

A leopard-print vest I'm eyeing for fall...

Uniqlo Women's Ultra Light Down Printed Vest, $39.90

More animal prints...

& yet more animal prints...

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The animals are coming out now

8/11/2014

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A week or so ago, I posted a gallery of animal-print pieces with some off-season buys. Now that fall lines have been released, the animals are out en masse. Here are a few favorites...

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New Year's Eve in July

7/13/2014

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I spent a lot of time around New Year's Eve looking for a sequin skirt. Who knew we could buy one now for next to nothing, probably to save for the Big Event but possibly to wear for a fun night out?

Banana Republic Sequin Mini, $29.99 minus 50%

J. C. Penney Joe Fresh Sequin Graphic Skirt, $19.99 minus 15%

Forever 21 Ditsy Sequined Skirt, bronze or mint, $11.99

Zara Seqinned Skirt, $19.99

H&M Skirt with Sequined Embroidery, $20

Styling suggestion for now...

Garnet Hill Modern Sequin Knit Skirt, $49

And later...

Sole Society image, accessories, & shoes

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Return of the killer bodysuit

6/28/2014

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While we weren't looking, bodysuits (also known as leotards) came back--and not just for the dancer or the baby in your life. I do love that they never come untucked & always give you a smooth line. I've posted some tamer ones below, but you'll find some hotties out there!--especially from Forever 21, Asos, Love Culture, Urban Outfitters, & American Apparel (click here for the AA ones if you dare!).

From H&M...

H&M Long-sleeved Bodysuit, $29.95

H&M Long-sleeved Bodysuit, $10

H&M Long-sleeved Bodysuit, $10, back view

H&M Jersey Bodysuit, $9

H&M Long-sleeved Bodysuit, $10

H&M Lace Bodysuit, $12.95

From Bebe...

Bebe Sleeveless Wrap Bodysuit, $68

Bebe Silk Wrap Bodysuit, $79

From Forever 21...

Forever 21 Classic Bodysuit, $19.80

From Asos...

Asos River Island V-Neck Moulded Shoulder Body, $26.86

From Aeropostale...

Aeropostale Striped Bodysuit, $5.99

From Urban Outfitters...

Urban Outfitters Motel Aggie Sunflower Bodysuit, $42

From American Apparel...

American Apparel Leopard Print Cotton Spandex Jersey Double U-Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit, $38

When was the last time you wore one?

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What to wear to a backyard barbeque (& what not to wear)

6/11/2014

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Barbecue season is upon us. July 4th is on the horizon. The neighbors are grilling right now. You will be at a bbq near you any day now, maybe this weekend!

Some of you will probably relate when I say that a bbq is not the ideal fashion venue for me. The quintessential masculine event, the barbecue--
worse yet, kegger!--asks you to look casual yet pretty.

Most people go the shorts & t-shirt route, but I just feel bland in that. But I think I might feel ok if I had perfect printed shorts (they're popular right now, examples below).

Some girls can pull off a maxi dress or cute sundress for the event. You just don't want to look like you're too dressed up.

Here's what not to wear.
Have fun but don't overdress; you'll just feel self-conscious.
Let's face it: most people do not dress up as much as this for a bbq (but most of our backyards aren't like this either :)...

Image photographed from a Build.com catalog that came in the mail

So what should you wear? Here are 5 options.

1. Printed shorts & a t-shirt, cami/tank, or simple top
Almost every store is carrying cute printed shorts in a variety of different lengths right now. Throw on a t-shirt or simple top, & you're good to go.

H&M Shorts, $12.95

Zara Bermuda Shorts, $39.90

LOFT Botanic Print Linen Cotton Riviera Short with a 4-inch Inseam, $44 .50

LOFT Paisley Print Walking Shorts in Marisa Fit with 10-inch Inseam, 2 colors, $54.50

2. White jeans or cropped blue jeans with a sleeveless top or tunic
Last summer, my standard bbq outfit was rolled-up skinny white jeans & solid tees. It was kind of sporty without being dead casual.

For today's bbq, I like the idea of cropped jeans & a halter top. I think I can vary this outfit throughout the summer with any sunny tunic or sleeveless top.

What I wore to the last bbq, details right

A tunic is another great option with white jeans, shorts, or blue jeans

Boden Boho Tunic, $82.60

Level 99 Lily Crop Jeans, $98

Piperlime Pim + Larkin Harper Bow Tie Halter Top, $44

Boden Easy Tank, $26.60 to $30.80

H&M Peasant Blouse, $34.95

3. A Zand skirt & a swimsuit top, tankini, or t-shirt
Just add a swimsuit top & you're sure to look cute but still pretty casual (you may still hear "you're dressed up!" but you're just as likely to hear "what a cool skirt!").

Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55

Zand Amsterdam Anna Gobelin short skirt. €45

Zand Amsterdam Anna long skirt with pouch, €55

I own two Zand Amersterdam skirts (see them here), & I wear them every summer, at least once a week, for work & play.

Most are cotton, reversible, & snap to fit whatever size you're feeling that day. Each one is unique, & most include a detachable pouch with shoulder strap.

Some of the styles are sold in town at boutiques, or you can order online. They ship worldwide.

I wrote more about them here.

4. A truly casual dress

PrAna Quinn Dress, $75

Piperlime August Salt Havannah Stripe Dress, $29.99

5. Beach pants with a swimsuit top, tankini, or tank
I've been so happy to see the resurgence of wide-leg pants, especially in thin, gauzy fabrics!

Swell O'Neill Johnson Pant, $48

Victoria's Secret The Beach Pant in Linen, $79.50

Swell Element Vanessa Beach Pant, $39.99

So what are you wearing to the upcoming Father's Day barbecue? Maybe you'll just throw on some shorts & a t-shirt or just wear whatever you have on now. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I do hope you have fun!

What do you wear when you go to a barbecue??

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Skirting the issue

5/20/2014

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The skirts at H&M are driving me batty this week because I want them, but I don't want to pay for them. They aren't expensive, but they are if you buy several of them. This post will hopefully help relieve me of my obsession for another day or so until H&M offers a discount or at least free shipping!

It's the ruffle that's killing me: I want the ruffle. I also like the description of this skirt--"thick, textured jersey. Raw-edge ruffle at hem." It sounds thick enough to hide figure flaws yet jersey enough to work for summer.

H&M Ruffle Skirt, also in white, $29.95

If you need a black skirt, H&M has a bunch of different styles in the store & online from slightly sheer to flippy to pencil.

H&M Pencil Skirt, $17.95

H&M Pencil Skirt, $34.95

H&M Pencil Skirt, $24.95

H&M Flared Skirt, $29.95

Let's face it: this skirt should be on sale. It's really a fall material, almost tweedy, almost wool-like.

H&M Knit Skirt, $29.95

I also like this gray skirt & this polka dot one...

H&M Pencil Skirt, $24.95

H&M Pencil Skirt, $17.95

I've already bought this one. I think the red is fun.

H&M Pencil Skirt in red, $12.95

The skirt is 62% cotton, which I like--it's not a polyester affair :-)

Same skirt in black, beige, & dark blue...

H&M Pencil Skirt in black, $12.95

H&M Pencil Skirt in beige, $12.95

H&M Pencil Skirt in dark blue, $12.95

I have to size up two sizes in all H&M skirts, which makes me feel like a tubba, but what are you going to do? I'm hopeful the larger sizes will sell out more slowly!

This post does make me feel a little better! I realize that the real issue I'm skirting is my obsessiveness. Ugh! Do you obsess like this?

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Pretty as a flower

5/19/2014

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A slideshow of 8 wearable floral-print dresses, $24.95 & up. Do you like one of them? 

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The peplum question

5/12/2014

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I didn't buy peplum when it first came out, did you? One, I couldn't find anything I liked that wasn't too expensive. Two, there was some question--especially for shorter women--if it might (gasp, sigh) make us look fat.

But peplum is popping up again this season, & it seems to have softened its lines & become more wearable, less
airplane-wings-like.

I've ordered a couple of these tops. I'll be reporting back to let you know if they work out!

Fossil Camille Peplum Top, $49.99

GAP Eyelet Peplum Top, $34.99

back view GAP Eyelet Peplum Top, $34.99

Banana Republic Black Peplum Top, $29.99 minus 40%

Banana Republic Denim Peplum Top, $69.50 minus 40%

Love Culture Plus Size Strappy Peplum (also in orange), $27.95

Dillard's Sanctuary Clothing Ponte Peplum Top, $59.40

J. Crew Factory Ponte Peplum Top, $54.50 minus 30%

Nordstrom Lauren Ralph Lauren Peplum Top (Plus Size), $85

Piperlime Wells Grace Ellery Vegan Leather Peplum, $27.97

H&M Off-the-shoulder Top (also in black), $29.95

Fossil top, no longer available dang it!

Garnet Hill Sleeveless Peplum Top, 3 colors, limited sizes, $38

Do you own any peplum? Has it worked out well for you?

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Who's wearing the pants?

4/4/2014

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...the printed pants, that is.

A year or so ago, printed pants--in everything from polka dot to brocade--hit the scene hard. Now I find they're on sale!

Is it because they aren't as popular as they used to be? Or are you wearing them regularly & ready to bring back out your cropped ones for spring?

Printed pants can take you to work, out for lunch, to an afternoon gathering, or out for the night because of their playful styles & dressy fabrics. They're easy to match with (black, white, cream). The only tricky part, I think, can be the shoes.

Are you the one wearing the pants?

In jacquard, brocade, sateen, & medallion prints

H&M Jacquard-weave Pants, $49.95

J. Crew Campbell Capri in Lattice Medallion, $69.99 minus 30%

Talbots Signature Dot Jacquard Ankle Pants, $29.99

Boden Bistro Pant, $52.80-$74.80

J. Crew Factory Skimmer Pant in Metallic Brocade, $64.50

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $27.60

Boden Wow Bistro Crop, $27.60

In blues

New York & Co 7th Avenue Pant Cuffed Crop Sateen Print, $25

J. Crew Factory Skimmer Pant, $39.50

Boden Bistro Crop, $17.60

Boden Bistro Pant, $70.40

J. Crew Minnie Pant in Foulard, $79.50

J. Crew Campbell Capri in Abstract Wave, $69.99

In animal print

Zara Printed Trousers, $59.90

Talbots Signature Animal-Print Ankle Pants, $23.99

Ann Taylor Maven Leopard Ankle Pants, $89.99 minus 40%

H&M Pants Loose fit, $17.95

In black & white

Garnet Hill Jacquard Capri Pants, $68

New York & Co. Crosby Street Slim Leg Pant, $21.18

H&M Slacks, $20

Ann Taylor Windowpane Slim Ankle Pants, $79.99 minus 40%

LOFT Floral Print Stretch Cotton Pants in Marisa Fit, $49.50

Banana Republic Hampton-Fit Geo Print Crop, $69.99 minus 40% with code BRSPRING40

In florals & nature patterns

Garnet Hill Santeen Capri Pants, $78

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $17.60

Zara Floral Printed Trousers, $59.90

Zara 5 Pocket Printed Trousers, $49.90

Zara Floral Printed Trousers, $59.90

Zara Printed Trousers, $59.90

In artistic designs

Zara Printed Trousers with Side Zip, $79.90

Zara Cut Work Trousers, $99.90

New York & Co. 7th Avenue Ankle Pant, $24.97

Boden Bistro Crop Trousers, $117.30

Boden Bistro Crop, $17.60

J. Crew Collection Cafe Capri in Iced Lilac Paisley, $129.99 minus 30%

Zara Palm Tree Print Sarong Trousers, $59.90

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Back to the ole burgundy & blue

1/21/2014

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I've been obsessed with burgundy with blue for some time (see post here) & have been amazed how many new outfits I've come up with thanks to this surprising color combination.

3 from Boden

Here are my latest outfits assembled with this color combo...

New Abercrombie & Fitch striped oxford, H&M skirt, GAP maternity cardigan, cabernet tights

Just a minor variation--a decade-old blue-gray shirt from Target with the same H&M skirt, cabernet tights

Very cheap J. C.. Penny Joe Fresh skirt (around $2.97 in store), old wine/aubergine-colored GAP cardigan, new sleeveless thin white shirt from Abercrombie & Fitch to wear underneath, navy tights

Super old Boden merino sweater, same thin sleeveless Abercrombie shirt, old Banana Republic cord skirt, heather brown tights

After I told my 8-year old son/photographer about the color scheme, he picked out this outfit for me.
At first I thought I was just humoring him putting it on, but then I realized I really liked it!

Never underestimate the power of children to mix up your wardrobe in new, fun ways.