6 Items to Buy at H&M Right Now

H&M can be overwhelming, from the busy crowds to the mountains of trendy clothes. Sometimes this atmosphere causes us to make regrettable purchases or to leave the store empty handed. Nevertheless, there are true gems to be found at H&M. I compiled this list to help sort through the craziness and to showcase items that aren't featured on the website. (Some of my best H&M finds have never hit the online store!). Still, if I could find a link to the item, I added it for your shopping convenience ;) My favorites were picked based on the the overall look of the item, coupled with its relative value.

Item 1:  At $35 this purse looks so much more expensive than it is, and you're bound to get plenty of use out of it this fall. I love the rich color and the fact that it has a shoulder strap. I also adore the burgundy and beige option that they have online, but I did not see that color choice in store.

Item 2:  The Kimono was a big summer trend that can easily transition into fall, and this is an affordable at only $20. I appreciated the drape of the silhouette, but the soft, sketch like, floral pattern on is what captured me. 

Item 3:  While these boots are a bit more expensive than the other items on the list at $50, they have a great cost-per-wear average and still look pricier than the actually are.

Item 4:  This pick isn't a single item in particular, but rather a type-- scarves! I am a HUGE fan and scarves, because of the transformative powers they can have on an outfit. (Scarf collection for a future post?!?) I was so impressed with the selection of scarves at H&M. Below are a few, and I also like the ones here and here. You can check out all of the scarves online here. Nevertheless,  I would also recommend going in store, because I saw a few beautiful prints that were not listed on the website.

Item 5:  Classic tweed and trendy faux leather come together in this coat to make a great fall item. For only $35 you can snag this versatile statement piece.

Item 6:  For someone who wants to make a bold statement, this dress is a steal at $25. The graphic print is artsy and playful. It would be a comfortable outfit for brunch, or it could even be dressed up for an event in the creative industry, such as an art gallery show or opening.

I hope this roundup helped guide you through your next H&M visit or revealed some great finds that are not featured on the website. What are your current favorites from H&M?

Link Love

Here are my favorite links from the past week or so:


PopSugar offered some useful tech tips in this video.

Mimi has some great advice on packing light for travel. I swear by the rolling trick, and I am excited to try the picture idea!

This indoor swing is such a fun and cute DIY from Park and Cube (especially for a dorm room or first apartment)!

Who What Wear compiled a list of gorgeous and affordable dresses from ASOS. There are a few really great deals here, and don't forget about their great shipping and returns policy!

She Finds did a great roundup of nail polish from NYFW. 

Another nail polish link:  The Sunday Girls shares some dupes for Chanel polishes.

3 Items to Buy from the Altuzarra for Target this Sunday [UPDATED]

UPDATE:   It seems as though Target has actually put a special return policy on this collection:  you will only have 14 days to return an item, instead of Target's typical 90 days.

The fashion world is abuzz with excitement about the collaboration between high-end fashion designer Altuzarra and the budget super-store Target.  The collection will launch this Sunday morning (September 14) in-store and online at Target. Select items will also be available at Net-A-Porter. If there are items you know you must have, I would recommend waking up extra early to snag them. Past collections have seen long lines and items quickly selling out. Last fall, I stayed up all night waiting for a Philip Lim for Target bag to be released. It finally became live between 3-4AM. While it was tough staying up, I was thankful I had, because by 9:30AM the bag had sold out. So there you go- a fair warning about what you can expect. Now on to the fun stuff...

The collection embodies the sophisticated, yet sexy designs that Altuzarra is known for. Additionally, with the dark color scheme, full of burgundies and deep greens, most pieces are great for fall and can easily be carried over into winter months. Lookbooks have been shared on the web, but I am here to offer a condensed guide on the best items to purchase.


Pick 1

What: Military Trench Coat in Green/Black

Why: This type of coat has become a staple for many over the past few seasons. I particularly like this one because of the structured details and the flared silhouette. Joseph Altuzarra has also named this as one of his favorites from the collection, stating, “The Trench Coat is a staple piece that makes any outfit look more polished. It fits everyone who tries it on perfectly and looks incredible expensive.”
Price: $89.99

Image from Lucky's Altuzarra for Target LookBook, linked above. 

Pick 2

What:  Wrap Dress in Red

Why:  This is my personal favorite from the collection. It exemplifies the previously mentioned, sophisticated yet sexy vibe that Altuzarra is known for. I think that the color is beautiful and vampy and that the fit would be flattering so many different figures, especially from behind ;) Overall, it is a great pick for upcoming holiday parities!

Price:  $39.99

Image from Lucky's Altuzarra for Target LookBook, linked above. 

Pick 3

What:  Sweatshirt in Orchid Print

Why:  Well the obvious reason is that it is comfortable AND pretty! But that's only half of it. The graphic sweatshirt has also been a big trend, especially last fall. This particular item is a great way to carry the trend into this season, but the orchid design is more mature than many of the more playful prints we have been seeing. Thus, the sweater is quite a versatile option:  comfy and cute, but not at all childish.

Price:  $29.99

Image from Lucky's Altuzarra for Target LookBook, linked above. 

Will you be buying any items from this collection? What are your favorite looks from the lookbook?

Link Love

I thought it would be fun to share links I have been loving from across the web! Here we go:

I'm typically not a fan of animal print, but these easy DIY shorts from Because I'm Addicted would be cute in a polka dot or striped pattern.

Emily from BeautyBroadcast creates a 2-in-1 tutorial using a cheap and versatile ELF palette.

I just discovered RipeTrack, which allows you to pinpoint when produce is in season, making it tastier, healthier, and more affordable!

I'm so excited for the Lorac Pro Mega Palette that is coming out in November! BeautyLogicBlog posted an instagram photo of the beauty if you want to take a peak.

Stripes are more complicates than I thought! Here is an infographic explaining the names of different stripes and check patterns.

The Budget Babe shared some real life pictures of the Altuzarra for Target clothing line. Stay tuned for more on the launch, because I will be doing a roundup of which items I think are worth purchasing from the line. 

Freebie Alert: L'OCCITANE en Provence

I wanted to do a quick post to let you know that L'OCCITANE en Provence is currently offering a free mini sample of your choice-- either Cherry Blossom or Almond Shower Oil! Get the offer here on Facebook. You can present the coupon, which will be sent to your email, in store and there is no purchase necessary! If you don't have a store nearby, the sample is free with any purchase online using code FBMINI.

(Photo from  L'OCCITANE en Provence's emailed coupon)

I can't decide which scent to get. I love Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom scent, but the Almond also sounds tempting! Which would you pick?

Summer 2014 Favorites

Before we enter the fall season, I wanted to pay homage to the products that I relied on all summer long. Since these are products that I reached for day after day, I think they all have earned some recognition :) 

Lorac Pocket PRO Palette– This is the first Lorac product I have tried, and I was not disappointed! The shadows are buttery smooth and nicely pigmented.  The shade selection is versatile despite being small—a light, medium, and dark color and two shimmers and a matte. I bought this small sized palette because I was seriously considering purchasing the Lorac Pro palette (I'm so late to the party). I must say this palette convinced me to spend the money for the entire palette... until I saw an Instagram post showing the new Lorac Mega Pro Palette. Now I have decided to wait for that! I also ordered the Lorac Nude (arrived but untested) and Lorac tantalizer (which I might do a review on). Overall, this little trio surely started an addiction... 

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara Black– I have heard so many recommendations for this cheap ($3!) yet powerful mascara, so I had to try it. Size matters when it comes to my lashes, and the bigger they are the better. Just as the name suggests, this mascara provides great volume. I am also able to get a decent amount of length and separation from this product. Nevertheless, this magical wand is lacking in one major way—it does not hold a curl for my straight lashes. Not to worry, I simply apply a tiny coat of another waterproof mascara immediately after curling my lashes. I follow up with a generous second coat of my Jordana Great Lash. And tada!- big lashes and open eyes. 

e.l.f. Essential All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach– I had never given this delightful stick proper use, until I dug it out of my stash this summer. The color is a beautiful bronzed peach that doubles as a blush and highlight. (This product can also be used as a lipstick or cream shadow, but I only use it on my cheeks.) The color stick was a staple in my makeup routine all summer—from light to heavy makeup days. While I greatly enjoyed using it on alongside bronzer and sometimes beneath a powder brush, its versatility was most noticeable when used as my sole cheek product. On quick makeup days, I would use this alone on my cheeks, applying a generous amount to the apples of my cheeks and up to my hairline. It was pink enough to provide color, bronzy enough to warm up my complexion, AND glowy enough to add a slight highlight. Its performance makes it a great product, but it's $1 price tag makes it a must have ;)

Maybelline Very Berry Baby Lips– I had never given into the Baby Lips hype—for hydration, I preferred Burt's Bees and for light color my Revlon Lip Butters. But this particular shade won me over. Its bright hue was perfect at adding a pop of color into a more subtle look, while the sheerness of the color also made is wearable with more bolder eye looks. Like other baby lip products, the formula is silky and provides a decent of amount hydration. The upside?  This is a winning lip product I will carry over into fall. The downside? The Very Berry shade was a part of the spring 2014 limited edition—so I'll have to scour drugstores looking for a backup. 

Purely Pampering Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Body Wash– This. Smells. Incredible. I don't think I have ever been so impressed with a shower scent. Just as the name promises, I really do feel pampered when I wash with this. The aroma is warm and sweet, making it another favorite that will transition nicely into fall. The soaps texture is creamy, and it suds up nicely. Most importantly, I still feel clean, not just perfumed after using it, something I often feel "pampering" body washes miss the mark on. I highly recommend giving this one a sniff next time you are strolling the aisles of your drugstore.

Silver and Pearl Earrings- These dainty beauties have been the only silver earrings I have worn this summer!  I have especially loved these earrings, because the summer weather has caused me to change up my hair and fashion routine. Typically, I wear my hair down and my go to jewelry item is a statement necklace. However, the heat and humidity has caused me to avoid anything on my neck—be it hair or a necklace! That's where these earrings come in. When my hair is pulled back and I'm not wearing a necklace, they add more interest and polish to my overall look.

What have been your most used products this summer?

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