H&M Spotted Print Shift Dress

Just a quick post about this dress, which is still in stores!  I had seen this print on several blogs in pant, top, and dress form.  I thought this print might be a little too much out of my comfort zone, so I had avoided it initially.  However, a few weeks ago I decided to try it on at H&M.  While it is shapeless on it's own, I really like the look of this dress with a belt to accentuate one's own natural waistline.  Every time I've worn it since I bought it, I have received so many compliments.  Just goes to show you that it pays to try stepping out of your comfort zone every once in a while!

 Item # 259736, price $29.95
For reference I am wearing a size XS, which has a loose and comfortable fit.
The material is viscose, polyester and elastane.  The fabric is pretty thick with no lining.  There is an exposed, gold quarter-length zipper in the back.  Very boxy if worn un-belted.

This was the fit of the dress off the rack:

And here with a belt to define the waist.  It's hard to see the color, but it's a skinny red belt (a $1.99 clearance find from ON!)

Remember to join the email list to receive 20% off one item at H&M!

2012 Labor Day Sale Fitting Room Reviews (Gap Outlet, HM, J.Crew Factory)

Hello, all!

I just stopped by a few stores on my wonderful day off and took a few photos to share with you.  Don't forget about this H&M coupon or this J.Crew Factory coupon!

GAP Outlet

Extra 40% off clearance.  Found some pretty good deals!

White Crochet Lace Dress with Sleeves

 

Item # 130518002. Pictured is a size 2.

I actually love this dress for casual wear.  Fully-lined with a back zip. It's on sale for $29, originally $75!  The lace seems like it snags pretty easily, but it's such a pretty dress.  The smallest size left was a 2, so I took it home to ponder.

Polka Dot Dress in Navy

Item # 8866100046. Pictured is a size 0.
Also fully-lined with a side zip.  This dress was a whopping $9, originally $60.  (40% off of $14.99...woop woop!).  Now that's what I call a good deal :) The size 0 was very constricting at the waist band, so it should fit someone smaller than me.  The next smallest size was a 4, but it should only require minor alterations.

VERDICT: Took both home with me!

H&M

I am a huge fan of the J.Crew Minnie Pant, and I wear my black pair to death.  The fabric is super comfy and I love the way it fits my legs.  I don't, however, love the price tag.  I was about to try out the J.Crew Factory version (the Winnie) in red, since I've heard it's pretty much the same pant but much cheaper, but held off when I found this H&M dupe. Of course the fabric is not as nice and it doesn't quite stretch as much, but it's only $12.95! I figured this would be a good experiment and if I'm actually reaching for these pants often, I'll go for the Winnie next time.  My store also had a burgundy color that sold out, so I'll definitely check back for it at least one more time.

 H&M red pants with side zip (pictured is a size 2).  Also wearing J.Crew striped classic tee.

No pockets womp womp

 H&M dot blouse ($14.95) and green side-zip pants

VERDICT: Bought both pants and the dot blouse.  For the pants I sized up to a 4, because it felt a little too snug around my hips. I think my total was like $35...crazy!

J.Crew Factory

My store was actually really picked over, but I have been keeping tabs on this skirt for some time.  The store had 40% off clearance items.  Since this skirt was not on clearance (full price $79.50), the Labor Day discount was 30% off.  

Factory Abstract Tweed Mini Skirt

VERDICT: The material of this mini is not actually tweed.  It's really just an abstract print mini-skirt that looks like tweed in photos. Size 00 fit well. I didn't really think it was worth $55, so I'm going to hold out for a better sale.  The Factory version of the Edie purse is on sale for $76 and I was very tempted, but didn't go for it.  J.Crew version is $238 and Factory version is 40% off of $158, with an additional 20% with the coupon.

Recent Purchases (J.Crew, Loft Outlet, and H&M)

This is only a partial compilation of my recent purchases from this past month.  I wanted to get a post out now while J.Crew is still having their extra 30% off sale items promotion.  I will be updating with a few more pictures of the rest of my haul in a few days.

J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Neon Tweed

 also wearing H&M sleeveless blouse (previous review), H&M locket, and Target Pearce Pumps

I was able to find this skirt in a size 00 for a whopping total of $24.49!! Now that's what I call a steal.  It's originally $128 and still $99 online.  My store had a million of these skirts in stock.  The fabric has a wonderful weight to it, and I really love the color. The skirt is fully-lined and the fit is really great.  It moves really well.

J.Crew Flowy Camisole in Polka Dot and H&M Orange/Red Pencil Skirt

Top: This camisole top was priced at $19.99 before the additional 30% off, which means I took it home for $14! I love the size of the dots and the fact that the strap is adjustable with a hidden button-loop system.  I'll post pictures of that later.

Bottom: I really like the stretch of this skirt.  The material feels less wrinkle-prone and more spandex-y than the blue pencil skirt from H&M from this post.  I was able to score this skirt with a coupon for $17.95.

H&M Leopard Print Scarf and Loft Outlet Tweed Mini Skirt

Accessory: This scarf is still in stores for $6.95.  I love the color scheme and the fact that the dots have a coral color to them.  It's really lightweight and pretty long.  I was able to use it as a wrap for a wedding.

Bottom:  I scored this baby for $10.49 at the outlet.  It's not my usual pencil shape, but I like the A-line look and that it has pockets.  Fully-lined.

June 2012 H&M Fitting Room Reviews

I will be doing another post on my recent purchases, so this one will be quick.  I rushed over to H&M on the last day their 35% off coupon for Facebook fans was valid.  I actually made two trips to two different stores that day, but I only took fitting room pictures from the second store.  Here's what I tried on:

Mint Green Blouse and Pink Tweed Mini Skirt

Blouse: size 4, price $29.95, item #970335
They only had a size 4, which is a little loose on me.  I think it works for this top, as I like it flowy and not too form-fitting.  100% polyester.  I like the gold button details.
Verdict: Purchased with coupon for $19.50

Tweed Mini: size 4, sale price $10
Fully lined. I liked the fabric and color.  Great price.  A little too short to be work appropriate.
Verdict: Passed

Gold Mini Skirt

Size XS, sale price $7 (originally $17.95), item #326465
Stretchy fabric.  100% polyester.  Just a fun, cheap skirt to wear going out.
Verdict: Purchased

Navy Long Sleeve Shirtdress 

Size 4, sale price $20.
The neckline was a little too hooch for work.  This dress fits small in the chest area.  I had to size up to a 4 in order to be able to button it up.
Verdict: Passed

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt

Size XS?, sale price $7 (originally $17.95)
Had a side zip.  Did not like the fit and I liked the color/muted sheen of the other gold mini better.
Verdict: Passed

A New Coat and a New Journey

Now that I've graduated from medical school and my "summer break" is over, I'm officially starting out on a new journey.  This week marks the beginning of my 3 year long residency in pediatrics, and I'm excited/nervous/scared to start this new adventure (and sad that my days of no responsibility are over).


My outfit for the first day of my two week long orientation to the hospital.

BR embellished tee (old), H&M cobalt skirt (from this post), Coach purse (old), BR necklace (may still be in stores), Michael Kors Jet Set Watch, Target Pearce pumps

I don't normally wear heels to work since I'm on my feet all day, but I thought it looked better with the outfit.  Here's what I actually looked like for orientation :)

BR flats

While I was a medical student, I could only wear a short white coat.  As a petite female and wearing a coat that looked "different" from the doctors, patients routinely referred to me as "the nurse".  Needless to say, I was super excited to start sporting my long coat, even though I've been told I will still probably be mistaken for a nurse from time to time.  It's funny how the stereotype of a doctor being male and the nurse being female is still so prevalent in our society.

I ordered the XS coat, but, of course, the smallest size we were given was a "small regular".  So silly considering a large portion of my residency class are petite females.  Here is how hilariously large the coat is on me.

A little better with the sleeves scrunched

Just for fun, this is how the coat fits on my just under 6 foot tall boyfriend!

I have 3 of the same size coat, and I really don't want to pay for all of them to be tailored.  Since they are not supposed to be tight or form fitting, I only need to slim them a smidgen. I'm planning on throwing 2 in the dryer to see if they will shrink.  Bad idea?

H&M Fitting Room Reviews

H&M recently released a high value 35% off one item coupon in celebration of Kara winning Fashion Star (valid until May 27).  Since I'm only really free until mid-June (start of residency, eek!), I wasted no time in heading over to see what shiny new item of clothing I could use the coupon on.  I circled through the store pretty quickly, since I had seen most of the items on my last shopping trip.  I grabbed four items that peaked my interest and headed to the fitting room.

Conscious Collection Floral Blouse

Please excuse my teal bra peeking through, I did not bring a cami into the fitting room!

 
Size 2, item # 454690, $19.47 after coupon (original price $29.95)
This blouse has been on the racks for a while, but I was able to find a couple left in my store.  I had originally been eying this during my last H&M conscious collection shopping spree, but convinced myself I did not need it.  Whelp, since this coupon took off 1/3 of the cost and this was the last size 2 in stores, I decided that it was finally meant to be.  The material is very light and breathable.  It's made from 100% recycled polyester, so it's far from feeling soft (actually feels kind of like tulle).  The print, however, is definitely quite fashionable, and I can mix and match this top with a lot of other elements of my wardrobe.  The only other cons are that it is very sheer and the sleeves are a bit long on my short arms, but nothing a camisole/tank underneath and sleeve-rolling can't fix!
VERDICT: Purchased with coupon

Cobalt Pencil Skirt

Size 4, item# 643160, $11.70 after coupon (original price $17.95)
I've been looking for a vibrant blue pencil skirt since last fall, and I can finally cross it off my list! The size 4 was very form-fitting but still allowed a lot of movement. I also like the exposed gold zipper down the back.  The material is 98% cotton and 2% elastane.  I know that cotton skirts have an affinity for wrinkling easily, but I'm hoping this skirt won't look too bad since I'm on my feet and walking around all day long.  Currently, with my student debt, the J.Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt is slightly out of my price range (but once I become an attending, I'm coming for you!).  It's a little easier for me to justify spending less than $20 on a skirt that could very well get puked on. 
VERDICT: Purchased

Tweed Jacket in Pink with Black Trim

Size 2, item #055671, $32.50 after coupon (original price $49.95)
This jacket has also been on shelves for some time, but I finally decided to give it a try.  The material was pretty comfortable. Fit was okay in the shoulder area, but the sleeves were definitely too long.  I really like tweed tops on other people, but I'm not sure I can rock this look well.  I think I'll take baby steps and start out with a tweed skirt before I venture into tweed blazer territory.
VERDICT: Passed but still on the lookout for an affordable tweed skirt!

Snake Print Pleated Dress

Size 4, item# 976000, $12.96 after coupon (originally $34.95 but on sale for $19.95)
I am usually a size 2-4 on top, but this dress felt like it ran a little small in the chest area.  I think the print is fun for casual day wear, but I just didn't need it.
VERDICT: Passed

Recent Purchases (H&M, Target, BR, Nordstrom Rack)

Just bought these last weekend and wanted to share.

Banana Republic V- neck Colorblock Cardigan

Size S, item # 44205001, on sale for $14.99 (original price $59.50)

Well-made and very soft.  Material is 49% cotton, 32% polyester, 16% nylon, 3% lycra spandex. The sleeves are on the longer side but not a problem when worn scrunched.  Love the vibrant orange-red color!

Also wearing Loft knit dress (old) and nude Mossimo (Target) Pearce pumps (in camel)

VERDICT: Keep

Merona V-neck Cardigan (Target)

Size S, item #015025325, on sale for $12.98 (original price $24.99)

I had been wanting a chartreuse cardigan for some time now, so I was very happy to find this in my size on the clearance rack.  This cardigan is much slimmer and thinner than the BR one, but it's 100% cotton.  It also has a rosette pattern running along the V-neck, but they are not too noticeable when worn unbuttoned.

VERDICT: Keep

 H&M Printed Maxi Dress

 

Size XS, item #029587, price $17.95 (bought with coupon for $14.95)

This item is from their "Basic" collection. I really liked this print when I spotted it in the store. It is the perfect length for me (I'm 5 feet 2.5 inches) and won't need to be hemmed.  Without shoes it skims the floor, but with any type of shoe it's fine.  The knit material is very stretchy, but I'm not sure this silhouette is one that I'm looking for.  I had in mind that I wanted a more flowy maxi (think fuller bodied skirt), so my decision to keep this will be dependent upon what else I see in stores!

VERDICT: Still deciding

H&M Swimwear

Turquoise Paisley Padded Bra Top and Bottom
Top size 34A32B, bottom size 4, item # 035572 and 035530, price $4.95 per piece
Super affordable!  Even if I only get a couple wears out of it, I won't feel too guilty. The bottoms fit very well, but I'm still iffy on the top.  Not sure if it's either the style or just that the cup size is too small, but it seems a little low-cut and I feel like my girls might pop out.  This was the very last padded top in store so I took it home, but I'm on the hunt to see if a 32B might have slightly better coverage. Found this in size 32B and fits MUCH better!
VERDICT: Keep...such an AMAZING price!

Mossimo Ona ballet flats (Target)- cheetah print

 

Size 8, item # 096064478, price $14.99

Should still be in stores, but unavailable online.

I'm typically a 7-7.5 in flats, but the elastic backing on these flats pushed my toes forward.  I would recommend sizing up by 1/2 size or 1 whole size.  I also got a slightly larger size so that I could add insoles.  These flats do not offer much support for your feet.  I do enjoy the soft mohair-like material for the outer portion, and I like the spot size and overall color of the shoe (Note: Top right photo featuring close-up of the spots is the best for depicting the actual color).

VERDICT: Return.  The elastic band keeps pushing my toes forward, and it's just not that comfortable.  Target has another leopard print shoe that has larger spots.  I found the two pairs that were sent to me to be very wide.  If you have wide feet, order your true size or 1/2 size down.  I ended up returning those flats as well.

Collection Eighteen Scarf from Nordstrom Rack

One Size, Price $14.97

Really lightweight and such a vibrant color.  I like that it is two-toned.  Bright orange has become one of my favorite colors to wear, as I think it works really well in spring, summer, and fall!

VERDICT: Probably keep