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I keep going to H&M and coming back empty-handed; this is partly because I overthink almost every single purchase I make, and partly because I tend to have mixed experiences in the fitting rooms; the lighting can be seriously unflattering and the fit of the clothes is all over the place. Yesterday's trip wasn't that bad, though I ran out of time and didn't photograph everything.


First, I tried on the slim knit blazer a few petite bloggers have featured recently, just so I could add my two cents about the fit. :) I'm 5'7", so what works on petite ladies generally doesn't work as well on me; I'm more leggy than long-torsoed, though, so tops are a better bet than skirts or dresses. This is the UK 8 / US 4 on me:

The sleeves are a mite too short, but I think the torso length is passable on me, though IMO it's definitely more suited to someone petite. I didn't try raising my arms above my head but that would probably push it over into too-short territory. The fit is okay, though the sleeves are a little roomy. A size down would probably be too tight in the bust.

Verdict: Pass, because I'm not a fan of the double-breasted style on myself.

Next, more of a heads-up to Alterations Needed members than anything else: I found a shirt that fit very small and short, so I'm passing on the tag info in case it's of interest to anyone. It was available in several striped and plain colourways besides the navy.
I tried on the size 6 / US 2, and whilst I could button it up in the waist, it wasn't even close to fastening in the bust. I wear a 28DD so this is not an uncommon fit issue for me (especially at H&M), but my bust measurement is only 31" or so.
Flattering, hmm? This is the most, uh, modest photo I could take. Note also that it's too short on me and starts to flare out above my hips - my hand is resting on my hipbone there. The shoulders were definitely too narrow, yet there was extra room in the sleeves. ???

Verdict: Pass - I don't need a fitted shirt, and I don't think this one would fit me properly in any size.

Lastly, two items from Divided: a floral-print tank top in UK 6, and a cardigan in UK 8.

I almost never wear bright, warm colours, but I liked this tank top more than the identical one in blue and violet. It helps that the vivid orange and red are on a navy ground, I think. It's long (it hit below my hips) and not too tight or low-cut, though the armholes are a little too big. I can think up a few things I could pair it with, and at £5.99 it might be worth a shot.

As for the cardigan, I want to like it but I'm not sure. The crochet yoke is cute, but the fit is awkward. H&M's fit inconsistency was starting to get on my nerves again by this point; the cardigan in size 6 was too tight across the bust and the size 8 is pushing it. I don't think I could button it all the way up without some gaping. Then again, maybe it looks best with only one button done up?

Verdict: I'm leaning towards buying the tank top, not sure about the cardi.

Not pictured: various plain tees and tanks from the kids' department. The boys' organic cotton tee in age 8-10 was tight in the bust (what a surprise!) but the age 10-12 was baggy and boxy everywhere. I now realise I should just have bought the bigger size and altered it at home, because the length and sleeve length were good. I need camisoles/tank tops, so I should probably just give in and buy some, but the fitting room lighting flattered neither me nor the clothes. Not that it mattered, as I wanted them for layering purposes only. I'd better cut this out or I'm going to get a reputation as "that weird blogger who can't buy a £2.50 tank top without several fitting room trips".

Have you had any luck at H&M recently?

Labels: fitting room reviews, hm