I found a dress at H&M; last week that I’m excited to share with you guys (I even have an extra one up for grabs). I would love your opinions on whether or not it’s a keeper for the price of $59.95. Sometimes I am deluded into thinking something looks and fits fabulously, but then you guys help me see the light (ie. gap ankle pants, gahh).
This dress is from H&M; “Trend.” Trend is their more expensive line, distinguishable by more fashion-forward styles and noticeably better workmanship. I adore their styles, but unfortunately, from my experience their trendy stuff is usually cut for taller women (long hemlines, super structured shoulders, over-sized, flowy styles). But this dress – not really trendy, plus I thought it fit great:
I became obsessed with brooches and chains after watching Khatu’s DIY video. I found this 1960’s cameo from eBay. The chain is some cheapy one from A.C. Moore.
FIT: The bust is a smidge roomy (can accommodate up to a 32B or maybe 34A) but the waist is tiny. The tulip skirt is not too bubbly (see side view), but still gives the illusion of some hips. Measurements of a sz 2: 15″ across the underarms, 11.75″ across the waist. 33″ total length.
QUALITY: As with my other H&M; Trend stuff, I am pleased with the quality. The materials are not premium by any means (polyester / viscose / elastane blend) but the details speak for themselves: the gorgeous lace panel that crosses over the shoulders onto the back…the grosgrain ribbon waist…the delicate pleats and draping down the front…the generous pockets…love it all. Plus it’s fully lined with a back zipper closure.
VERSATILITY: Not sure what type of occasions I can wear this to. I can see it being nice for a wedding, or on casual occasions with the long cardigan. What do you guys think?
VALUE: One part that is holding me back is the $59.95 price tag. A little much for H&M;, but I’ve paid $40 before for my “Trend” skirts which have held up nicely. I am just biased because H&M; stuff is usually so cheap, but if you think about it, dresses from BR and Ann Taylor retail for at least twice as much, plus they don’t usually look nor fit too well on tiny petites.
A note on these Palani gladiator sandals. I love them, but don’t expect quality for $25. The materials are all man-made, but the style and fit are perfect for me. They look great with skinny jeans too, and the heel is very comfy. I am going to pick up the same style in black (buy HERE).
PS – Hautelook (click here if you need an invite) is selling a number of beauty brands this week. Stila is up today, and the smokey eye palette I got last time is there even less this time around for $18 (retail $40). I love this palette and have been wearing it almost every day. It’s small and perfect for travel. Here are some crappy swatch photos from my phone:
On Tuesday they are having Lorac. I bought a charcoal eyeshadow from there last time and wore it in this video, but ever since Stila arrived I have been neglecting it. And on Wednesday, they are having NYX cosmetics which is loved by beauty gurus all around. I don’t have anything from there so I’m excited to see the offerings.
That dress and cardigan duo is so classy and adorable! Definitely keep the dress.
I would have definitely bought this dress for $60! I wish I could buy it now…(teardrop)
Hi Elizabeth – aww, I am sorry, I sold it! I then got a second one and sold it too. Maybe post on the Alterations Needed forum "item requests" thread if you're still interested!
Hi Jean, I absolutely love that dress! Are you still selling the other one you have?
The dress looks made for you, definitely a keeper! Accentuates your little waist! Reminds me I need to get to an H&M; asap, haha.
http://www.jrose-studio.blogspot.com/
OMG! I am soooooooooooooooooo behind in checking petite sites because, well, I've been traveling out of the States, packing to move to DC in just a few weeks, etc., but I have to say —
THIS ENTIRE LOOK IS GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! Love, love, love, love, love, love, love it — every part of it from head to toe. I hope you decided to keep this dress because it fits like a glove. And I can't even believe that those shoes are from Target. You have the BEST eye when it comes to petite fashion!
Glad you decided to keep it Jean – so pretty on you (but I swear, everything you put together looks SO nice)! 🙂
Just wanted to let you know I got the shoes from Target and they are VERY comfortable! love them! Thanks for the tip! 😀
Yes I feel the same way about H&M; price point. I don't own any of their "Trendy line" pieces because of the more expensive price tags, I usually wait until they go on sale.
But this dress looks super great on you. I love how the bottom is tulip-ish but not too wide on the hips (or bubbly, like you said). Long story short, it's gorgeous so keep it! 😀
http://www.monochromachic.com
I love that dress and if there was an H&M; here in TX I'd be going to get it. H&M; needs to catch up with the world and start selling online!
It looks great on you and seems like a real classic piece. I quess you can pair it up with several solid cardigans. It's a keeper
this dress is so vintage and fits so well! i say it's a keeper. love that it has pockets too
KEEP!! It's gorgeous on you!
I really love this dress on you. The only problem is how much use you can get out of it. Can't wear it for work with the cardi? Too casual? The tulip bottom is so beautiful, it's perfect!
Love the necklace you made!!
Gahh, those shoes…I want…but I can't buy, lol.
Seems like you will be keeping this dress from the comments :p hehe! I wish I saw this post sooner :p
Your post totally convinced me that you should keep it… and you must've convinced yourself as well! hehe It's a bit much for a dress from H&M; but you look great in it. The color is fantastic and not "trendy", and the tulip bottom is really flattering on a petite frame like yours. It's just a really nice dress to have 🙂
The necklace is really nice! I love chains, they are classic.
The dress looks gorgeous on you!
@hugstiem: You're right. Cream is too close to white and what if the bride has a cream-er tone dress? eeps! I'm not a fan of wearing black to a wedding, but it's almost lesser of the 2 evils vs wearing white/off-white/creamy color.
@Pauline: whoa! 20% coupon when you shake it?! how did you find this out? is it a code or does H&M; scan it right off your phone or verify it off your phone? So many cute things @ H&M; this season. I can definitely use a 20% coupon!
@Jean: glad you decided to keep it. Though I'm awfully surprised that "Trend" has dresses for $60 now. Usually it's $49.99 max. Well geez H&M;!!!
I just love that the lace detail runs past the shoulders. must you post cute affordable stuff like this?! I already got the H&M; red sweatshirt peacoat jacket, now I must go try this one on!
i <3 that dress! i am impressed that it is h&m.; love the lace detail and looooove the pockets! it fits great on you, but the price tag is a bit steep. i always walk into forever21 and h&m; and refuse to spend anything more than $30. but then again, i've never seen anything like that in an h&m;! i say keep it =)
I think it looks great on you! Plus the tailoring and pleating of the dress looks like it's very well made.
LOVE LOVE the dress on you! You better keep it!!!
I love this entire outfit! The dress looks like it fits perfectly on you and is very flattering. I also love the heels!
Curls and Pearls – I just shouldn't mention that it's from H&M; : ) I've always thought that their Trend line is comparable (if not preferred, for me) to BCBG, except more stylish.
Thifa – that is unfortunate that you have to alter H&M; stuff! It's one of those rare brands that usually fits me with no alterations needed. At least you are skilled enough to alter, though.
SugarNikita – great points! Thank's for the thoughtful commment. Although I won't know about the wrinkling easily until I test it out. Most of my dresses are dry clean only though so I won't mind if this one is too : )
Stephanie – hahah, I'll have to pass on the compliment to the photographer bf : P
Callandra and Girly Blog – I do love the neutralness aspect! Can't wait to throw it with some colorful cardis and some black tights and booties for Fall : ) Thank you guys for your opinions.
I'm kind of torn about this one. I think the lace would look better if it covered the top more. But I love how it fits on you, not to mention the pockets!! What a cool addition.
I love how you styled it, with the long cardigan. By itself, the dress might be too close to white for a wedding, but with the right accessories, I think you'd be good to go!
Thank you guys so, so much for your flood of opinions and tips. I'm going to keep this and I feel better about it now with the support of bloggy friends : )
RL – thanks for your thoughtful response. Hopefully the wrinkles will steam out, but either way the details and fit have me sold.
Pauline – no way! I'm downloading it immediately haha. Really wish I knew about this beforehand. I wonder if they'll let me apply it retroactively as that would really seal the deal, hmm.
Jen – Sadly this dress does not look good with a blazer because blazers hit right where the tulip is at the fullest point…very unflattering (the bf will attest to this). It's perfect for long cardi's though and I have 4 of those on the way…woohoo
Annapurna – haha, well I ran home thinking 100% KEEP, but the doubts arose after I sent cruddy looking iphone photos to friends and they expressed hesitation. Thank you for your opinion though. No doubts anymore here so it will be a keep.
Jacqueline and Grace – hope the gladiator sandals work out for you guys! And pls don't come blame me if the quality does not meet your standards : P Grace – unfortunately both booties were a total bust. I returned everything this weekend but will have a post about it.
thoshebebutlittle – I'm happy to add some frill and vintage spice to my wardrobe. Although, I actually thought this was very similar to another H&M; lace dress featured in a previous post, but that one is super short/bubbly.
April – lol! I'm so curious what hairpieces they will offer. I hope there is not too much competition for the NYX items. I wonder how cheap they will go since NYX seems affordable already as-is.
Hugstiem/kileen/anonymous @11:11 – good point, I did not think about the closeness to white. I didn't know that was a wedding faux-pas, since now people are even wearing black to weddings.
Claud – def try it on and share a pic with us! I used to go to BCBG for my cocktail dresses but they are pricey for one time wear stuff, plus the styles are never truly unique, in my opinion.
Erin – lol! I got your tweet too. You are too funny : )
You are right about H&M; fitting better on petites than BR or Ann Taylor and for that reason I rarely shop their petite section. If you keep the dress you can wear it to work, casual date & Sunday brunch…. But if you can't figure out how else and/or often you'll be wearing it I say return it. Cost per wear is a bite much especially for H&M;.
I think it's hard to find something that fits pretty well AND looks gorgeous on you – I say keep it! I also think it could be casual-ed up for weekends and a cardi / blazer can be used for work.