Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) is one of Europe’s most successful fashion chain stores. This Swedish based company operates in more than 22 countries and has started successfully tapping the US market on the East Coast and California. It targets the ultra-hip consumer by offering cheap, cutting edge fashion for men, women and children. They have recently branched out their merchandise mix to include maternity and plus sizes. Germany is currently their biggest market (30% of sales), Sweden is a close second and the UK third.

Their philosophy: “to offer unbeatable value by providing fashion forward clothing at the best possible price” 

H&M markets their desirable brand to high-end fashion consumers despite their discount fashion price points. You will often find an H&M located right next to a designer brand. In 2004, H&M stores offered an exclusive collection by Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel) which sold out worldwide within one hour.  In 2005, the success was repeated by Stella McCartney (Chloe). This year, stores will offer exclusive ranges designed and marketed by Madonna. 

Most of the merchandise offered at H&M is very young, but there always seems to be a super selection of basics and classics that defy age. Unlike Zara, elegance and sophistication are not their goals. Their aim is to offer the funky urbanite limitless creative options.  Don’t expect to hold onto your H&M  purchase for years – at budget prices, their clothes are not made to last.

My wardrobe is not complete without my playful H&M pieces. If its cutting edge trends at budget prices that you are after – H&M is the shop for you.

If you dislike wearing thongs (g-string underwear) like I do, you’ll be happy to know that there is a thong out there that’s more than bearable. The brand is called “hanky panky”, and after a few minutes of having it on, I had completely forgotten my concerns of discomfort. It’s made of stretch lace and is “one size fits all”. It has a 100% cotton gusset and you can select either the high or low rise option. The high rise option worked well with my low rise pants, which was surprising.

I’m not a complete convert – I still prefer my boy shorts underwear – but after giving the hanky panky a grueling trial it’s definitely the thong that I would recommend for ensuring that those panty lines remain invisible. You’ll find this brand of underwear at any department store.

The hanky panky thong in an assortment of colours from Nordstrom.

With dress codes at work becoming more casual, the tendency to “under dress” is rife. While, arriving at a beach party in a suit and heels is clearly the wrong attire. Having style also has to do with dressing appropriately for an occasion. Overdressed people often look out of place, but then so do those that make no effort.

Consider the following:

• Overdressing is the safer option – if you are unsure of the dress code for a particular occasion (even if it’s a dinner party with friends), it’s always a better to overdress. Not only is it respectful to your host, but who doesn’t want to be the best dressed person in the room.
• Good grooming is imperative – be well groomed when you wear casual clothing. Casual dressing is no excuse for looking sloppy, wrinkled or unclean.
• Watch the accessories – accessories are key to making you look either overdressed or underdressed. Dress them down for a casual occasion and dress them up for a more formal one. Pay particular attention to your shoes – heels will always be dressier.  

It’s important to understand the difference between being “polished” and being “dressed up”. Done up hair, too much make-up, and over accessorizing is distasteful, but a polished look is perfect for every occasion.

Nothing articulates your sense of style better then your choice of accessories. Unlike most women, shoes are not my favourite accessory – bags are. They effortlessly pop a boring outfit into the next season. They are practical and don’t always need to be expensive. What is not to love about bags?

Despite an abundance of variation, bags can be classified. Here’s the way I do it:

• Tote – a large bag with fairly short handles that you can either hold with your hands or carry on your shoulder
• Hobo – a large or small soft bag that slouches when you hold it
• Shopper – a casual tote usually made out of canvas with additional zips and compartments on the outside
• Messenger or Sling – a large or small bag with a long strap that can be slung over your shoulder and across your front
• Hard handle – a small bag with hard handles that you hold on to
• Satchel – a horizontal bag with many outsize zips and pockets
• Duffel – a cylindrical shaped bag with handles
• Frame – a rigid boxy bag that has a metal frame inside of it with straps of any length
• Clutch – a small slim bag that is meant to be clutched with your fingers
• Wristlet – a very small bag with a handle that loops around your wrist
• Mini – a very small bag that is a version of any of the above

There is no such thing as “one useful bag that fits all”. There are many occasions that deserve a specific bag. As you acquire a bag collection, you’ll need to become disciplined about swapping them out when necessary – perhaps even daily. It’s therefore best to keep the contents to a minimum!

 
       Tote                             Hobo                            Shopper
                    
     Wristlet                                                  Clutch

  Satchel                            Frame                            Messenger