I've never done a review here before, so feel free to correct me if I'm not doing this right! I tried a few things at H&M (online and in-store) and I wished that their website had reviews, which would have saved me some time and effort. So in the interest of doing the same... some good finds and some flunks.
First, the good:
1. Satin Blouse
I've been searching high and low for a real silk blouse but the ones I tried on from Ann Taylor didn't fit me (too big). This one is not silk at all; it's inexpensive polyester. But it is cut true to size and the fit is nice--neither too clingy nor too loose. It is gently skims the body without being tight. Very blousy, feminine, and soft. Downside: it has a slightly "crinkled" texture--almost imperceptible, but the fabric is not perfectly smooth and I was not able to iron it out.
2. Jersey Top with Lace
I got this in icy blue at the store. It is soft, also skimming without being too tight. It didn't look like much on the hanger, but on the body the lace detail in the middle elevated it.
3. Turtleneck Sweater
The one I got in the store is actually not exactly the same--it is ribbed all over and comes in a taupe color; the buttons are domed as opposed to flat. I couldn't find it online though. The style is similar. I am not a gold-accent person but somehow the wrist buttons work; just the right amount of shine to make the sweater special, but perhaps because of their location they are not overpowering. The sleeves are extra long, which is something I love but I know others don't. Can be scrunched or folded and look nice either way.
Now the duds:
1. Silk Blouse
I had high hopes for this one. It's part of the Premium Collection and my local store doesn't sell it, so I ordered online. This is why I wish there were reviews. The fabric is nice: ultra-soft silk that is much thicker than what I expected, in a warm beige tone. The fabric-covered buttons are such a nice detail. But the cut is off. I ordered my usual size and the shoulders were too square and boxy. They look so round and delicate in the picture, but they don't hang this way. The neckline is too low to the point of showing my bra. Perhaps not a problem for someone with a larger bust than mine (34 A). There are slits on the side, and the slits go up REALLY high, so when I tried to tuck it in a skirt or pant, the slits kept showing for inches above my (high) waistline. Overall the shirt is very boxy and wide. The tie also didn't work--I tried it high up, low, medium, and in different knots, but it didn't harmonize with the rest of the blouse. Perhaps on the right body type, or with some ingenious altering, this might work...
2. Short sueded skirt
I love the 70s vibe of this one. I also had to order it online. It runs small, and it really is as they describe: very short. Shorter and more high-waisted than it appears on the model. The fabric is fake suede--it is soft and not bad, but up close clearly not the real thing. Perhaps sizing up might work, but I am not going to risk it via online ordering again.
I hope this might help others who have been eyeing these items too!