Inflated high street or discounted designer?

I headed into H&M for a browse on Friday after seeing their new Studio line arrive online. I have to say I don’t really get it. I often see items from H&M on other blogs that grab my attention, and then when I see them in real life they seem overpriced for the quality – especially over here in dollars. Paying $200 for a coat from H&M is just something I would never consider. It got me thinking about several high street retailers who now offer ‘higher end’ lines – like Zara and their Studio range, and J.Crew with the Collection range. Their prices are inflated – in fact often extortionate in the case of J.Crew Collection. Personally I would much rather spend $200 on a heavily discounted piece of Isabel Marant on TheOutnet.com than in a high street store. How about you?

I did grab a couple of mohair knits from H&M that I am extremely happy with – very little, clothing wise, makes me happier than an oversize grey jumper! Sorry I can’t see it online but this is a small – it fits HUGE!

grey jumperThis khaki cardigan made me feel like a young student again so it came home with me too! It’s described as ‘yellow marl’ online but it is definitely green!

kahkiThese are a couple of items that I liked from the Studio line but still wouldn’t part with my hard earned cash for them.

This weekend bag is well made and large but $349!

IMG_5115I love the colors on this coat, but again I think it’s expensive for H&M at $199. Plus to those of us in the know it is easily recognizable as H&M.

IMG_5116Fall has arrived in Atlanta and we are enjoying amazing clear skies and sun. I’ve even had to dig the cardigans out this week for a couple of cold mornings.

blazerJacket – Linen regent blazer J.Crew // Jeans – J.Crew (25% off with SHOPNOW) // T-Shirt – ASOS // Shoes – Vince Nina // Bag – McQ (similar here)

If you are partial to a pair of snakeskin shoes I spotted these in H&M which are fab! (Can only see this version online)

shoes

camel cardiganShoes – TopShop Kaiser // Jeans – J.Crew // Top – Mango (similar here) // Cardigan – ASOS // Bag – Rocco (similar here)

kiwi blazerDress – AllSaints Pia (old similar here) // Sneakers – Golden Goose // Jacket – Linen Regent blazer J.Crew // Bag – H&M

4 thoughts on “Inflated high street or discounted designer?”

  1. schoolgatestyle's avatarschoolgatestyle

    Great post Joanna, I completely agree…..I think for me, H&M are low cost and I don’t want to have a premium range from them….surely that’s what &OtherStories is for? I hope it’s not a way of them subtly upping the average prices in their stores and therefore allowing them to gradually increase prices across the board?
    Loving the snakeskin pumps – and that outfit is my favourite….adore the colour palate.
    Hope you’re having a great week lovely lady, Ax

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  2. Fashion40ish's avatarFashion40ish

    I am with you on this. I think some of the collaborations have been cool, and worth the extra cash, but not this sort of trick. I am always disappointed when I visit H&M but, as you say, I see so many bloggers with fabulous finds. I have given up trying to order online, deliveries take an age. I love the college cardi. Takes me back! H xx

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  3. Michelle Lee (MyFashionable40s)'s avatarMichelle Lee (MyFashionable40s)

    I would most certainly get much more of a buzz from finding a designer bargain on The Outnet than I would bagging a designer collaboration piece from H&M!
    I do love an H&M knit though, I think they are great quality for the money and they do seem to stand the test of time! How gorgeous are those snakeskin shoes BTW!! J’adore! xx

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  4. Beth Goodrham's avatarBeth Goodrham

    Hi Joanna – I’m totally in agreement with you when you talk about the “higher end lines” of High Street stores being over inflated price wise. Like you say, much better to grab a designer bargain elsewhere. Love your warm woollies though – we are heading that way too – probably with added rain!! x

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