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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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Here’s the full length of the blouse and how it looks with jeans:
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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.
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Readers – Did anyone else get this blouse? Which color do you like better?
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70 Comments

  1. lifeasthree wrote:

    I am new to your blog and absolutely love it! I am a petite girl myself and I love fashion but often find myself lost in regular sized clothes. Nice to have your input as a guide! I recently bought a dress that is 30 inches long. I am about 5'1 and am not sure how short I can appropriately go. I am 31 and have two young kids. Any advice on length??

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  2. xJOLE wrote:

    I went out and bought those exact same blouses when I saw your twitpic of it! I have the same problem when it comes to choosing one to keep.. I love the elegance of the ivory, but the green truly is striking.

    http://xjole.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  3. Callandra wrote:

    Beautiful blouse and of course I love the green color so much! Did you see the purple skirt Annie just found at H&M;? ……So pretty!

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  4. Michelle wrote:

    I love the ivory color!! I love how you styled it with a front-tuck in skinnies! If you keep one, keep the ivory! 🙂

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  5. 1MadScientist wrote:

    I love the green color…but I say keep both because you always need a white blouse!

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  6. Natasha Fatah wrote:

    Hey hon, the white blouse with the black jeans looks great! Thanks for the inspiration!

    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  7. vigilant lense wrote:
    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  8. Y wrote:

    30% off promo code for GAP ends 12/20 ! Code:GAPCHEER

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  9. Victoria wrote:

    love h&m; blouse! i was on a mission to find it today and came out with the cream coloured one. holding off on the kelly green one for now. i have to say it looks fabulous on you!

    Posted 12.18.11 Reply
  10. kam wam wrote:

    what brand are your black patent heels?

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  11. firefly wrote:

    Hi, I noticed that the format of your site is a bit funky-some of the content on the left side of your blog is covered.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  12. Ping wrote:

    love your hair like that. it's really cute!
    omg im thinking about getting that gap sweater after seeing it on you! it's such a good deal too. looks awful on the model, hahha!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  13. Rites of Beauty wrote:

    I prefer the green. The white is lovely and crisp, but just isn't as stunning as the emerald.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  14. SS wrote:

    Green looks so great on you! Keep both. White will be so useful too. I'm wondering you need something under white? of course i won't wear black bra, but just wondering.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  15. alittlepetite wrote:

    I love the green color! versatile for all seasons! great pics!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  16. Anonymous wrote:

    Where did you get your olive jeans?? I've been trying to find a pair exactly like them! Do share 🙂

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  17. jo wrote:

    Jean, I think green looks great on you. Looking at the first and second pictures, I cannot stop thinking about the skirt! Where did you get the skirt from? It looks like Jcrew, but not sure… Please let us know!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  18. helen wrote:

    I'm sorry, after I left my comment, I saw your warnings. Sorry about that.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  19. helen wrote:

    Love the green color, especially when it is paired with the floral dress.Unexpected and fresh. Ivory seems normal.
    I also shopped at H&M; today and want to do a review soon too.
    From helenslookbook.blogspot.com

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  20. Urban Jungle Fashion wrote:

    That navy cable knit sweater looks fantastic on you.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  21. Cardigan Fiend Phoebe wrote:

    The green looks fabulous on you and it's such a rich vibrant color. If you are still trying to decide between the two I would see if you already have anything in the similar color in your closet. 🙂

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  22. Love, Melanie Teddy wrote:

    I love the floral skirt and both of the blouses. They will be perfect for spring and summer!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  23. NeutraKris wrote:

    I love the green!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  24. Steffi wrote:

    I would keep both myself. They are gorgeous! <3

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  25. Girlie Blogger wrote:

    That skirt is so springy. Can't wait until it gets warm outside.

    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  26. Carrie wrote:

    ooo, i like those blouses. i'll probably wear it with dark blue skinnie and sandals. then i'll accessorize it a lot! i love the green but i also love the ivory one. definitely a great buy!

    Come and enter!
    In Love With Fashion Giveaway.

    🙂
    Carrie
    http://readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  27. Fanny wrote:

    Thanks for the review on the blouses, Jean! I went out and bought both after reading your review. LOL

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  28. Haute Muslimah wrote:

    They are both so classic. Keep both!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  29. DSK Steph wrote:

    I really love the first look too! 🙂 My kind of colors! lol

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  30. LaiLa wrote:

    THe blouse is so awesome! I specially like the white colour. I also like your sweater, it's really cute!

    xx
    Laila

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  31. Jenn wrote:

    I'm dying for that ivory one!! It looks so expensive, and like you said it could have retailed at a much higher price at a different store. I love both colors and see why you're having difficulties choosing!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  32. katattack2000 wrote:

    I love the white color but the green also looks great for spring! Great finds

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  33. Karen wrote:

    I like that you can tuck it into a skirt for work or leave it out paired with skinny jeans for something a little more casual. Great find!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  34. Petite and Hungry wrote:

    that looks gorgeous on you!!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  35. Karen (littlepiecefnb) wrote:

    Both look great on you…keep both! haha I'm totally into green lately too.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  36. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi! I tried the Loft SHOP40 promo but it didn't work :(! Does the sale not start yet? Although they are automatically deducting 50% of sales so this is probably an instance in which you could try stacking promo/deals.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  37. Ally wrote:

    Absolutely stunning.
    I feel like getting them myself!!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  38. Erica wrote:

    The green is such an eye-catching color! Too bad about the skirt. It looks beautiful.

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  39. Michelle wrote:

    As a knitter and fiber geek, I am nerdraged that they can call it a "lambswool cable sweater" when it is 45% nylon and 28% acrylic. JUST SAYING.

    I like the ivory better on you 🙂 suspect the green will pop more on someone with more of a tan!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  40. Winnie wrote:

    You're tres chic. 🙂 I knew you would be the first to tell us about the crazy sale at the Gap – please let us know if you pick anything up from it! 😉

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  41. lacoquettedumode wrote:

    i love that skirt, and i love that blouse tucked in!

    xx Kathryn
    http://lacoquettedumode.wordpress.com/

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  42. elleandish wrote:

    I think you should keep both! 🙂 that cut and both colors will never go out of style.

    I wonder though, is that a raw hem on the double placket? If so, how will it wear over time?

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  43. Cynthia Kim wrote:

    I'd keep both! The green is a great color, and the ivory is so basic. Thinking of heading over to H&M; now!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  44. Michelle wrote:

    Oooh, I like how chic you make those blouses look. They fit perfectly with the floral skirt. You really have an eye for unique attires. Your makeup and hair look nice in the pictures too. I want to thank you and let you know that I truly appreciate you and the effort you put into Extra Petite, Jean. I love the fact that you share discount codes with us and take the time to do thorough reviews. (That payless code came in handy for me, by the way! Too bad I couldn't find the konstant block heels. *boo*)

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  45. Kisti Belle wrote:

    Keep Both!! I'll probably go out and get them both now too 🙂

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  46. lin wrote:

    i agree with dolce, you should keep both. since they're different colors, they give you two totally different looks….the ivory is more clean, crisp, and reserved while the green is a pop of color and brightens up your whole look. thanks for the review. i'll probably go check h&m; out tomorrow while finishing up my xmas shopping. 😉

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  47. April wrote:

    Ohhh I love the Ivory blouse!!! OMG the floral skirt looks adorable on you!

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  48. I am Khatu wrote:

    love the first look! running to H&M; right now. lol

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  49. dolce wrote:

    keep both! i know u'll style them differently and i can't wait to see your pairings 🙂

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply
  50. Katherine wrote:

    This blouse is so adorable! I didn't see it at H&M; a few days ago yet – the green is my favorite 🙂

    Posted 12.17.11 Reply

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