H&M; coat (3 colors – wearing sz 2), Talbots sweater c/o, thrifted blouseThis pairing helped bridge the gap between the cheery colors I’ve been dreaming of, and the bleak winter scene outside my window. The cream coat looks fresh against basic black, and will serve as a great neutral for wearing with bright hues in the spring. It also comes in navy and a pale pink color that I would’ve loved to try on (unfortunately none at my local store). The material of the coat is lightweight and nothing to write home about, but I was happy with the classic cut and good fit (measurements at the end of this post). I haven’t been able to find a jacket like this elsewhere that wouldn’t require extensive tailoring. In these pics sleeves are folded up 2”, which will be the only easy alteration needed.
I’m always on the lookout for everyday bags to review across a variety of price points. For those seeking structured yet minimalistic, business-friendly leather bags < $500, I love the tote or bucket bag options from Mansur Gavriel. The brand offers “simple, elegant” leather goods designed in NYC and made in Italy. Pictured here is their small leather tote in black with royal blue interior.
I first heard about this brand last summer when founders Rachel and Floriana (two friends from LA and Berlin who met by chance and started designing – how neat is that?) reached out. They sent me this tote from their spring line and I’m already hooked. The current collection comes in three exterior color choices – black, cammello (medium tan), or brandy (rich medium brown), with interiors in either a smooth, colorful resin coating or raw hide. 
Leather and lining: The vegetable-tanned leather arrives smooth and on the stiffer side, and develops a weathered look with increased wear. The resin interior coating is also very smooth. A note from their website: “Italian vegetable tanned leather is a classic leather that shows its wear beautifully over time. This leather will not remain pristine and sleek. It is completely natrual, meaning it is naked – with no synthetic top finishes. The color will darken, the surface will change, and exposure to water will create spots. This patina created by daily wear-and-tear will fade and evolve over time.”
This type of leather isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m a fan just as I am with vintage Coach leathers and LV vachetta leather. You can see my bag surface already starting to develop character in the photo above.
Sizing: Based on the measurements I was worried the small tote would be too wide, but it turned out to be very petite-friendly in size as well as lightweight. I now feel even the large size would not look terribly overwhelming on someone my height (see it on Blair). The small fits my 14″ work laptop, snacks, a pair of flats, makeup bag and more. I used to be less receptive to open, zipper-less totes, but realized it’s less of an issue with a removable pouch for holding valuables. I wear the straps both hand-held and over the shoulder, but will warn that the strap drop length of the small size tote may not fit comfortably so for everyone.
Measurements of S tote (comes with zippered pouch): 16.5″ length, 9.5″ height, 4″ depth. I realized this tote sounds wider than it looks because there are no side panels – only a front and back panel which the measurements are taken off of. The visual width is actually only 13″ across. Strap drop is 7.5.” Removable zip pouch is 8″ x 5.5.”
Additional details on this H&M; coat: fully lined, two functional side pockets. Mostly straight cut with an ever so slight cocoon shape. Concealed zipper front closure with one snap button at the top collar.
Measurements of a size 2 – 13″ across shoulders including slight padding, 16″ armpit to armpit, 18.5″ across bottom, 31.5″ total length, 23.5″ sleeve length, 5.5″ sleeve width.
Material content – 63% poly, 32% viscose, 5% elastane.
Thanks for your feedback! I found it in xs petite 🙂
Very nice outfit 😀
http://www.outofstandards.blogspot.fr
Thanks, Anya! It's a zippered pouch that comes with all their tote bags.
Tough call – maybe a 6 for a snug fit or 8 for looser fit? I usually size up at least 2 sizes from other American brands (ie. BR, Ann Taylor) while at H&M;.
The material is a polyester typical of H&M;'s blazers and outerwear. I would say it doesnt look 'expensive' but I definitely found the overall garment to be worthy of the price.
THank you! It's Color Club mod in manhattan
I hem all of my jeans (just look for a consistent wash with no whiskering or fading so cutting off a lot via hemming isn't too obvious) and love JBrand. They are pricier but the material is great resiliency without stretching out. I also like Gap petite jeans but didn't see black currently available.
I saw that too and was confused! I feel it must be two different pinks as they looked nothing alike.
thanks so much! Yes, I got my usual size and feel it runs true to size.
I think it's worth the buy, esp for a long jacket, but the material doesn't stand out to me as anything special. It doesn't seem to be wrinkle prone and I like that it's fully lined with real pockets, but it's really hard to tell whether it will start threading down the road : /
Thank you for your kind comment, Marie! Warm wishes to you from across the pond.
I had no idea that promo was still going on! Shame on me for not knowing…thanks for the reminder : )
Awesome! Did you find regular or petite on sale? Hard to say because of the looser draping which is better for casual outfits and less so for work…but yes I think I would've kept it. Hope you enjoy yours : )
Thank you for your review, Jean! I found the Pleione blouse on sale at Nordstrom. Would you have still kept that one over the H&M; drape blouse if it was the same price point?
You are amazing! I love this outfit.
Very beautiful ! I love your coat and your shoes ! You are a real inspiration for me.
Bye
Johanna
http://janna-dana.blogspot.fr/
Beautiful outfit, I love everything about it. You look gorgeous, great pictures.
I was actually thinking of buying that coat in pink but it's sold out here. I may go for the other two colors still available. Yo can never have too many coats.
xo,
May
http://dancelikenobodyswatching.me
Wow, impressive that coat is from H&M;! Absolutely love the clean lines and cut of the coat. Such an elegant, chic outfit. Love this spring look!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
I LOVE that bag — so dissapointed the black and blue is sold out! Let me know if you ever get tired of it, I will definitely take it off your hands. 🙂
Love the coat. I have it in navy and used the clothing donation discount. I was tempted to get the cream color, but ultimately decided against it because I'm messy. Me and the color white never end well (just don't tell my bf that, lol)!
Love this ensemble! Interesting, without being too much and BEAUTIFUL color combination!
Cheers,
Anne
http://www.raysofrossi.com
i love your coat and bag!
xo, Liz
http://oyouclassy.com
http://oyouclassy.com
Oh my goodness so elegant, great color combo. You are gorgeous!
http://jenessasheffield.com/
Beautiful, elegant and stylish as always. You are a genius at pairing, say, a thrifted blouse, a pyjama top or a child's sweater with an outfit and making it look chic. Love your posts – very inspiring for a petite person in the UK! Also love how you mix high-end with inexpensive pieces – I think you'd recognise quite a few things now residing in my closet…
Hey Jean! Long time follower here and I love your style. Was wondering how is the quality of that H&M; coat? It looks gorgeous btw and as a student, I can afford it (yay). But the last H&M; coat I bought started threading in 3 months so that was a bit disappointing. Would love to hear how you're finding this coat and whether it's worth the buy!
I tried that coat on and was about to get the Navy but decided against it. I'm on a shopping ban and only trying to shop with existing gift cards – so be proud of my restraint 😉
You looked very elegant in this outfit! I love that cream color coat. Does it run true to size? Did you purchase the usual size?
You are absolutely gorgeous! Love how you styled this outfit!
-Alex of http://snippetswithalex.com
I bought the white one too and I love it so much that I want to buy the pale pink one. However the pale pink one in the store is really a bright pink. I'm not sure if they really have a pale pink one or it's just the computer.
what about your jeans? I'm 5'0 and have been looking for a good pair of skinny black jeans for a long time.
You are a whiz with color pairing, Jean. I'm in love with your smarts!
Jenny
http://www.chibistk.com
Your nail polish is the perfect finishing detail! What color is it?
Does the material of the coat look ok? I went to a h&m; store this past weekend and didn't see this jacket at all. A lot of items in the store has poor quality.
love that coat but couldn't decide what size fits me. I wear jcrew in size 2 or xs.
You look beautiful! The cream coat is gorgeous against the dark black and blue hues.
http://thetiafox.com/
Wonderful look, love this combination. Mansur Gavriel is on my wishlist too!
missbagaholic.blogspot.com
this looks so cool!!
xoxo from rome
K.
kcomekarolina.com
I would have also loved to buy the pale pink coat but unfortunately it´s sold out in the German online shop. Instead I will buy now the cream colored coat because you look great in it 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.blogspot.de
Stunning! Love all the details!
http://www.thetouristoflife.com
Love the complete look. what pouch are you using with the tote?
The coat, the colors … elegant.
Thanks for the reply.. I'm loving the color too! I already bought a top in that color. I'll try the coat. So thankful that the nearest H&M; is just a 10 minutes walk from my home 😉
Beautiful colour combination, I love the cream coat.
As always, a perfectly polished look and so beautifully photographed! Also love the plum lip on you!
love MGs for their simplicity but I wonder what all the fuss is about. this outfit is great!
from – The Lion's Den
I love your shirt and your coat! It's so classy!
http://www.ericasedition.blogspot.com
So chic! Love this classy color combo. And I love the roses…great touch.
NEW POST up…
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
xoxo
Hi Shenu – I don't own much of that color but am really loving it this year. I think you can do a lot with it for spring/summer with cream, a bolder red, purple, orange, or prints like floral, stripes, or leopard. It's the perfect price point for a coat in a more fun color : )
I love the touches of blue and of course your beautiful hair. Gorgeous look.
xo
Carelia
"Triple Denim" Blog post on:
MYSMALLWARDROBE.COM
Looove this outfit…!I was eyeing the h&m; coat.Do you think pale pink would be easy to pair?
Shenu