H&M Spring Review: Double-Placket Shell & Floral Skirt

Holiday sales flooding my inbox this morning:
- Ann Taylor: 40% off your entire purchase with code ENTIRE40
- LOFT: 40% off full-price styles and 50% off sale items with code SHOP40
- Gap: 60% off lots of sweaters including the lambswool cable crewneck which is now $23.99 (review coming soon - the knit is smooth, heavy, and not itchy). *UPDATE 12/18 - use code GAPCHEER for another 30% off, making this sweater $16.79*

^Update: Here's Petite XS on me in Lagoon Teal, worn with Payless Pumps (use code 59863 for 40% off).

Blouse: H&M sz 2, item #030395, $17.95   Skirt w/ belt: H&M sz 2, item #057592, $24.95

Accessories: YSL Arty ring, MK watch, Revlon Vixen polish, J.Crew earrings (old)

H&M is currently having their winter clearance with many items marked down to $5 - $15. Jaded by the older merchandise, I was on my way out when a teeny tiny rack of floral and brights caught my eye. I ended up getting two double-placket shells and an emerald green dress. I see the tops going fast, so in the interest of time I'll review the shells first and the dress in a later post.

I was immediately drawn to this blouse in kelly green. It looks and feels exactly like something that will pop up at Ann Taylor next Spring for 4x the price. After grabbing the green, I ran around the store asking if it came in a softer color like ivory. Sure enough - a SA showed me the ivory hanging on a completely random rack, on a different floor.

The fit of this blouse is generous but not overwhelming. A sz 2 measures 15.5" wide (straight cut) and about 24" long. Smaller ladies may need a simple slimming on both sides, or you can wear it casually draping. The blouse material is 100% polyester - it's heavier and not flimsy, yet still drapes nicely. I love the elegant details including the little collar, the double-placket front, and the mother-of-pearl buttons. I find it to be noticeably better quality than some of H&M's other poly items, and a great buy at $17.95.

I also tried on this twill-cotton skirt in taupe with floral print. At $24.95 including a chic faux-croc belt, it's a pretty good deal. I love how you can get a full work outfit at H&M for under $45. Unfortunately, I did not love the material or the fit on me. I'm wary of twill or cotton bottoms because of potential wrinkling and creasing across the thighs. Also, the fit was a bit straight-cut from the waist down to the hips. The butt area fit snug on me in sz 2,  yet there was a sizeable waist gap. If you are more straight-cut, then this skirt may be for you (or you can use the belt to conceal the waist gap). This skirt also came in solid khaki, navy, and black:

Here's the full length of the blouse and how it looks with jeans:

I don't like to purchase duplicates but with this nicely-made, value-priced blouse I couldn't resist. I love both colors but will be carefully evaluating if I should return one. The ivory is crisp and elegant and will get tons of wear, but the green is striking and I don't have anything else in that color.

Readers - Did anyone else get this blouse? Which color do you like better?