H&M Herald Square; Really Hot for Fall

As I said on Twitter the other day, walk into H&M Herald Square, go immediately right on the first floor, and grab multiple fabulous pieces for fall. It's all here: short capelets, granny jackets, and long vests, furry and motorcycle styles. The trend section is now right in the front of the store on the first floor, and it's one great item after another. Kill-ing it.

 

 Here's a small sampling. I really need the gold beaded granny jacket. More pictures to follow once I've figured out why my netbook is loading them improperly. I'm on vacation this week, so I'm not going to be working too hard on this. Don't hold your breath! Save it to run to H&M Herald Square before all these wonderful pieces disappear.

H&M Herald Square 34th Street and Sixth Avenue

Kimono Jsuits, Really

It's jumpsuits like this that make me think perhaps I should just pack it all in and start a 34th Street H&M Tumblr.

This is from the Herald Square store, first floor, front middle section. Even though it's small for me, and even though the shoes I was wearing yesterday don't go with, it's still freaking awesome. This is a GREEN KIMONO STYLE JUMPSUIT. If there was a size 10 I'd say bury me in this. But there are no 10's, just this lone 8 (as of yesterday afternoon), several 2's, 4's, and a couple 6's.

This will go down in my H&M lore with drop crotch baby pants (below, 0-3 months, from September 2010) and, of course, the drop crotch maternity pants I still wear now for the gym, and to bed, and maybe sometimes to work.

H&M Herald Square 34th Street and Broadway

Last Minute Options at H&M Herald Square

Last week we shot a video at Sephora on 34th Street. That morning, I was guilty of a classic girl move: kept a guy (my video intern) waiting because I wasn't satisfied with my outfit. So where does a girl go for last-minute solutions?

H&M, of course. I ran to the Herald Square store, half a block from Sephora, walked and grabbed through the first floor, and encountered no lines at the dressing room. 10:15am is a great time to shop 34th Street. I chose two blouses and a tunic top (ok, it might be a dress). And it was a tough decision because all three were viable options.

Wearing H&M tunic/dress with Gap 1969 jeans and wedge Swedish Hasbeens for H&M, which is why I'm towering over Sephora's Christina like a giantess. Never compromise on heels if you're tall, embrace the towering effect.

Total shopping time, including try-on and check-out? About 18 minutes. In the end it was tunic for me, and I love the choice. The above doesn't show the full-length, sadly, but it got several compliments later in the day. I may be going back for one of the blouses, though, as they are loose & floaty, perfect for this smothering heat.

Also, for you last minute girls, H&M will let you wear your purchase out the door. You have to pay for it first, then head back to the dressing rooms for your Supergirl transformation. Makes sense, as it'd be awkward getting that security device off at the counter.


H&M Herald Square 34th Street and Sixth Avenue

Lightweight Jackets: Get Them at H&M

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Are you feeling the need for a lighter jacket these days? I actually walked out today with just a heavy sweater to grab a latte. H&M always has cute options for jackets, and I like the 80's shoulder detail and the black piping on this one I tried on in store earlier this month.

From H&M Herald Square, $49.95.

H&M Herald Square, 34th Street & 6th Avenue

Lanvin for H&M: All Lanvin In Front...

...and a little too H&M in back for me. Meaning, when I turned to the side in the mirror, I saw too much fabric bulging in the back. But the front view? Gorgeous and all Lanvin. The skirt was so close to flawless, it was torture to not take it home. I put it on while I was wearing the Leg T and it was hysterically adorable together. But I couldn't reconcile myself to the excess fabric that bagged not just in the back of the skirt, but also a little in front.

The front view of the long-sleeved dress is all high-fashion and is the bargain in the collection at $99. Those puffy high shoulders are alone worth a long wait in line. But the back fit me ill, puckered and didn't lay flat. I grabbed an 8, so perhaps a 10 would have fit better? Also the one-shouldered dresses were tough for me to zip up in my size. I didn't think the entire collection was cut small as other items seemed true to size. The size 8 fur vest fit just right and the leggy T tunic was a roomy medium (in person this T is freaking fabulous, and this from a girl who isn't overly fond of tulle).

Love these furry beasts.

All of you in Europe wondering whether or not to go wait in line, if you're on the fence, go. I was thinking of skipping the release, but when my alarm went off at 5:50am, I checked my phone to see what Intern Craig was up to. When I saw on Twitter that he'd been toughing it out for hours on 34th and 7th, I knew I had to go. And now I thank him, as it was well worth it. Although I couldn't shop until 9:45am, I went up to men's at the 8am opening and picked up a trench, a hat, and a tote. The bright blue brogues looked a little cheap so I passed, and there were several black pairs leftover when I left. Coveted men's jackets were snatched up in seconds. The line bracelet'ing and 15 minute time slot for the ladies was fairly civilized, and the Herald Square staff had things well under control. Once you were in the pen and shopping, staff was everywhere helping with sizes. I did hear some complaints from shoppers who didn't realize once you left the pen, there was no going back.

If you are a masochist and feeling nostalgic for the true H&M collab crush, visit the men's at opening and shove your way around to a sequin tie. It's going to be a scramble. And as for sleeping out? In the US, getting there before 7am for an 8am opening got you a confirmed time slot for shopping. Good luck and happy Lanvin.

H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th
H&M 34th & 7th

Intern Craig Conquers Lanvin for H&M

I did it. I stayed up all night all for the love of Alber Elbaz. I started my evening by comparing both of our H&M stores, Herald Square and Penn Station. The Herald Square line was shorter but the people at Penn Station were so much more fun.

At 3 a.m, I decided to hop on line which was already 30 people long at that point. I quickly made friends with my partners in crime around me as we decided what we were getting. Some wise soul printed out every piece so we could make absolutely sure what to make a bee line for once inside.

The line started to pick up around 4:30 and went all the way around 7th. The next three hours were the worst as the anticipation started to build up. It was at this point that I started asking all our Twitter followers about wearing a bow tie. Clearly the fatigue had gotten to me because you couldn't pay me to wear a bow tie on a good day.

Luckily around 7, we were treated with coffee and croissants. I declined the coffee because it would just get in the way of my main focus, the leopard print tee.

We all got cute tote bags with our wristbands. Enjoy this picture of the fabulous LaDivaSosa, number 1 in line with her tote!

I headed down to the women's section first to investigate the scene but I couldn't get any pictures because I was so overwhelmed. By the time I got to men's, it had been decimated. I was lucky enough to grab the tee and bolt before collapsing into a Lanvin coma for the better part of a day.

If you didn't have a chance to stop by the stores today, keep your eyes peeled around the city. Many shoppers are going to be returning the pieces they don't want, which means you'll have a second chance at Lanvin. Good luck!

H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & 7th Avenue

Really Tight Neutral Dresses

I'd probably go with the cut of the bottom H&M dress, as it's a little more forgiving. But I love the arm-ruching on the top dress. The bottom one, though, has that one-shouldered gathering going for it. But the top one would be great as a layering piece. I did have to suck in my gut like a million ways to take a picture though, which sells me on the bottom one. Decisions! H&M Herald Square is outdoing themselves on the first floor. Later this week I'll post their collection of Really Cute Polka Dot Sweaters.

H&M Herald Square, 34th Street & 6th Avenue

Birthday Girls Need Faux Fur Vests

Because I'm holding off on ridiculous birthday tiaras until I know they aren't going straight in the mouth, I had to get some style points elsewhere. That's where H&M Baby comes in handy. Soft pink faux fur vests do a girl good for slightly chilly, mid-October morning birthday parties. And what aren't striped leggings good for?

Baby Herald turns one and discovers trucks. Happy birthday to my Arm Baby.

I got the vest at H&M on 34th and 7th Avenue, and the leggings (Sonia Rykiel for H&M) at the Herald Square H&M on 34th & 6th. Both stores are well-stocked with kids and baby stuff, but only the Herald Square store has maternity. All the lines stay true to the H&M aesthetic so your kid, or your niece or nephew, or your friend's kid, is going to be all on trend. And did Baby Herald cry on her birthday? Not quite as much as her mom did!

H&M, 34th Street at 7th Avenue

H&M Herald Square, 34th just east of 6th Avenue

Elle's Picks From the Past

I tried on Elle's picks for H&M at the 34th & 7th Avenue store just days before Fashion Week, and now, looking at the pictures, I'm regretting the loss of the leather top ($79.95). And the horsey cardigan ($34.95), how could I have passed on a tongue-in-cheek horse cardigan?

Adore these knit tights, $29.95.Too small for me.

These pants are amazing, fit like a glove. Got them for fashion week. Look for "Super Sqin" denim, $29.95.

Blue peasant top was $19.95.

Top $14.95, pants $34.95.

Top $34.95, pants $34.95. Don't think I'd pair these, though!

I was a little unsure if all of these were Elle picks. They were mostly grouped in one section of the store, and some had tags, some didn't. It didn't really matter to me, as it all looked pretty good and I was happy to run through a section of well-edited looks. I'd definitely shop more H&M Elle picks in the future.

H&M, 34th Street and 7th Avenue

GLORIOUS NEWS.

Whoops, forgot to publish this over the weekend, so today we'll let Intern Craig gush about H&M's new collaboration while Fashion Herald attempts to put together a last minute Fashion Week wardrobe on 34th Street...

I don't think I have ever been so excited for a designer collaboration in my life. I was initially disappointed with the early rumors of who H&M decided to collaborate with this time around but I was ever so wrong. Just listen to Alber Elbaz discuss this beautiful pairing:

I think I'm most excited about Alber's mention of H&M becoming luxury. While I love H&M and I completely respect their business model, fast fashion has a tendency to lack in the quality department. Now, I've had good and bad experiences with H&M pieces. I've had a gray wool sweater from H&M for almost 4 years and it is still in top condition. On the other hand, I've had t-shirts fall apart after months of usage.

Yet, the most exciting part is that IT'S FREAKING LANVIN. I had a fantastic opportunity to visit the Barney's Warehouse Sale and pick up a gorgeous overcoat from Lanvin's last collaboration with Acne Jeans. My friends, as well as my boss here at Fashion Herald, are all quite sick of hearing about it. I, however, plan on wearing it every single day this fall. I know this doesn't have much to do with this post but, I just wanted you all to know about my coat. Plan on seeing many pictures of it during Fashion Week.

Don't get your hopes up too soon though. The collection won't be in stores until the end of November. To kill some time, look at this teaser video from H&M which has brought me many laughs because of the unbelievably incorrect guesses it created. Carolina Herrera?! When would Carolina Herrera ever wear anything close to that?!

Ed. note: Now the question is, will the H&M's on 34th Street carry this collaboration? I'm hoping, of course, that both of our H&M's will be involved, but I'll take the Seventh Avenue shop, as it usually gets all of the designer collaborations.


H&M Herald Square, 34th Street & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & Seventh Avenue

Playing Nicely Together on 34th Street: Aldo & H&M

I was digging through some photos and found these clogs ($80 + maybe some change):










which I spotted in the window at Aldo last month. They reminded me of this ($69.95 at H&M Herald Square a few weeks ago). It's not a poncho if you don't show off the crazy shape by touching your hair:


















However, these Aldos ($100 and maybe some change):


















I don't think I can do anymore. I had to take off my heels at a wedding on Sunday and wear flip-flops (sigh, a first). I'm going to blame it on toting Baby Herald up and down stairs. But this H&M jumpsuit:


yes can do, and I almost bought it but it's just a bit too short for me.






Aldo, 27 W. 34th Street
H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue

H&M's Style Eye: Get Two on 34th Street

Have you all seen the H&M Style Eye video on YouTube? It's a cute shoot of three friends with different style shopping at H&M, and relevant for 34th Street as our two H&Ms tell a similar story. I love how I get a total different vibe at each store, but to make sure I wasn't way off, I got a quote from fashion blogger/sample sale shopper extraordinaire eeps (sorry, her blog is no longer public), who once worked and shopped in the 34th Street district and was very familiar with both our H&Ms.

"The 7th Ave. H&M always seemed more fashion-forward and risk-tasking than the Herald Square one, and I think the average age of shoppers in that one shows it. There's a lot more people in their late teens and 20s who help move the merchandise quicker. I always went to the 7th Ave. store first, and go to the Herald Square one if my size had sold out of the 7th Ave. location already."

Excellent assessment, thanks eeps. I shop the 34th Street H&Ms opposite from eeps, as I always seem to be near Herald Square and not as often down by 7th Avenue. Unless I need some Garrett's popcorn or a cheap Bruce's Burger fix. Speaking of popcorn, enjoy the flick:

Studs and Mamas

Jeff picked up this shirt ($29.95) last week at H&M, and I love it. If red plaid doesn't say "studly" I'll eat his shirt. Well, I won't eat it but I may at least pick one up for myself. I'm a big fan of plaid, especially as my husband's plaid shirts were my go-to comfort shirts during pregnancy. FH readers know my favorite maternity wear was H&M Mama, so it's not surprising that I still visit the Mama section at the Herald Square store on occasion. For old (huge belly) time's sake.


Get it at H&M Mama Herald Square (H&M Mama is now on the 3rd floor next to the baby & kid's section)

If you've got a pregger pal, this is a brilliant starter gift ($29.95). I'll admit that I still now, yes six months post-delivery, pull out the H&M Mama leggings. And to have the long tank and the band to cover the belly is key. H&M Mama prices also make it possible to buy several maternity pieces, trendy and classic, without worrying about the cost for what is, essentially, temporary clothing. Unless, of course, you can't retire the leggings.

Trendy Mama, classic Mama.
















H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & 7th Avenue

Blame it on H&M Baby

I swear I resisted posting Baby Herald picks as long as I could. I blame it all on H&M's really, really cute baby section, which I visited last Saturday while checking out the Garden Collection. This is now my shopping reality: if there's a cute baby/kids section, I'm going to visit. Now let's see if I can not use "cute" again for the rest of this post.
















This pink bow headband is $2.95, and is really, really...."adorable." I also like how you can make it very now like a package bow, or very retro like Olivia Newton-John. Also comes in a floral pattern.
















This is a really, really... "irresistible" spring ensemble (only sizes left at the Herald Sq. store are 0-3mos and 12mos.). It started with the kerchief head-wrap ($3.95), which was on a shelf back against the wall. As I finally tore myself away from the baby section, kerchief in hand, I spotted the matching outfit ($9.95) hanging on the opposite side of the department. Why they aren't together, I don't know. I then demanded that a couple of guys holding the outfit go get the matching kerchief, and, as they gave me the "you're demented" look, a grandma marched up holding the same outfit and asked me where she could find the kerchief. Pay attention to the grandmas, guys. The headpiece is the icing on the cake.


H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & Seventh Avenue
Both 34th Street stores have kid's & baby sections

H&M Herald Square: The Garden Party

The H&M Garden Collection is big on hangar appeal, but didn't do quite as much for me in the dressing room. There was one item I would have bought, and there were only a few left on Saturday:


















A perfect casual blazer ($49.95). My choice is a little dull, considering this collection was dominated by flower prints, but the prints I tried on were just OK. Keep in mind I'm not much of a flower girl; my tastes run toward the minimal aesthetic. And the collection was a little picked through by the time I arrived in the later afternoon. Here's what else I loved that was still in abundance on the racks:

the red jacket ($59.95);



















jacket ($49.95), and the white dress ($24.95), great for the beach/pool;

















the peasant shirt ($29.95) and shorts ($29.95);














Meh on me, but a really cute dress ($49.95). The colors aren't as vibrant as they are online.



















My misses: the pale pink ruffle dress ($17.95), not so great on me, and the maxi. The maxi ($59.95) was my biggest disappointment, I thought it was so me. Instead that ruffle tier hit me in my worst spot (big ribcage) to create a look more maternity than any of my old maternity clothes.















Great prices, great recycling, and great for spring. And if I can find something in a garden collection I can love, you're going to do just fine.


H&M Herald Square, 34th & 6th Avenue
H&M 34th & 7th Avenue