H&M kicks off Summer

I might be down under where the sun refuses to do anything but shine, but even I can't ignore that hopeful spring feeling us Europeans always experience this time of year, as soon as the nights begin to shorten. Each of us experience something different that ignites this feeling inside of us. For my sister it's the sound of people mowing their lawns, for myself however it's seeing the new season fashion campaigns. 

From Kristen Stewart's new Chanel ads to the Kate Spade collection featuring Karlie Kloss, summer campaigns never fail to instill a renewed sense of passion within me. One that has particularly resonated over the past few years is H&M's New Icon campaigns. What's not to love, four world famous models, exclusive new music and clothes that'll usually see you through the next few summers. 

This year see's H&M launch summer with another four world famous models - Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes, Natasha Poly and Joan Smalls. 

Pernilla Wohlfahrt, head of design at H&M describes the new line as - "everything I love about the summer - bikinis for long days at the beach, romantic prints on flowing dresses for endless nights with friends"

In keeping with previous New Icon campaigns the television advert, shot by Lachlan Bailey, will debut on April 30th, set to DJ's Axwell and Ingrosso's (Swedish House Mafia, if those names sound familiar) new track 'Sun is Shining' 

H&M finally open in Queensland

It's taken some time but this week has finally seen the opening of H&M's first store in Brisbane.   With stores already in New South Wales and Victoria, this marks the retailers first store in Queensland - although this won't be for long. Country manager Hans Andersson earlier this week announced to channel 9 news that the brand expect to open a second Brisbane store in Garden City this Spring, something that will then be followed up by a global flagship on Queen Street later this year. 

H&M are known for their rigouous expansion, with stores in over 53 markets, the brand have this year alone entered Taiwan and have plans for India, Peru and South Africa.  Not content with these new markets we will also see the brand move to Western Australia with a store in Perth's Joondalup as well as a new flagship in Sydney's Pitt Street, a prime location that currently ranks as the world fifth most expensive street to rent, after Fifth Ave and the Champs Élysées.

Beauty Review: H&M BB Cream Brush

I know, you read the heading and wonder is it even worth reading about a high street clothing retailer's cosmetics line? Well I've always remained sceptical over high street cosmetics. Don't get me wrong I love a piece or two from Rimmel (I even rate their nail polishes over the likes of Chanel) but as a rule I tend not to purchase make up from lower end brands purely because I have sensitive skin and these brands just don't give me the lightweight feel when compared to their luxury counterparts. 

In addition, I've never really used make up brushes, preferring to use my fingers as I always know they're clean, despite knowing it won't give me as even a coverage. Recently however, I was in Leeds when I realised I'd left a lot of make up essentials back home in London. I'd arrived too late to go shopping so a quick dash into H&M to grab a few brushes and eye liner etc left me pleasantly surprised. 

As I've said I don't rate brushes for foundation, I noticed however a 'BB Cream Brush' at the cash desk - I have to say this is possibly one of my favourite beauty purchases ever! It caught my eye as it's basically a replica of the Shiseido flat top brush but for a fraction of the price. Having sensitive skin I've found plenty of foundation brushes are too harsh on my skin. This brush however left my skin as smooth as before application and gave me an even coverage that more or less lasted throughout the day. I can't believe I've lived for so long without this little miracle! 

Miranda Kerr becomes the latest face of H&M

Considering H&M are launching their first Australian store later this year it's hardly surprising that the brand have chosen the countries hottest supermodel to front their SS14 campaign. 

Joining the likes of Gisele, Vanessa Paradis and Amber Valette the former Victoria's Secret model announced via social media site Instagram that she will be the face of this years summer launch, a campaign that last year had superstar Beyoncé fronting it. 

The latest campaign is set to coincide with the retailers Australian debut which will see one of their largest stores in the world open in Melbourne. The first campaign images are expected to be launched in March. 

H&M returns to Fashion Week

Despite being missing from October's SS14 fashion week, fast fashion retailer have announced that they are set to return to the Parisian runaway on February 26th, showcasing another exclusive Autumn Winter collection - newly dubbed H&M studio. The collection will be live streamed on the brands website and will be available from September alongside the brands RTW collections. 

Look of the Week: Amber Valletta

Former supermodel Amber Valletta is going from strength to strength this week. Not only has she appeared back on our screens on Revenge and been named the face of H&M's 2014 Concious Collection, but the star has also featured on many of this weeks best dressed lists after attending The Hollywood Reporters 22nd Annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast. 

The star wore a stunning Jason Wu top and skirt. Keeping her monochrome look simple with slick back hair and red lipstick she finished the look with some patent black shoe boots and a box clutch.

H&M find another concious Super!

Despite them being the second largest retailer in the world, fast fashion isn't always the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name H&M. Ahead of this you are likely to think designer collaboration, celebrity ad campaigns and -more recently - sustainable fashion. 

The brand have made no secret of their desire to see all of their clothes be made from recycled and Eco friendly fabrics in the near future. They recently launched an initiative whereby shoppers can exchange a bag of old clothes for a £5 voucher and also had Vanessa Paradis launch their 'Concious Collection' - a range made entirely from materials such as organic cotton and tencel - before launching their 'Concious Exclusive Collection' with a similar selling point but with a slightly higher price point and much better, higher fashion pieces. 

Now it seems the retailer have no intention of slowing down their plans an have now tapped supermodel and actress Amber Valletta to front the latest collection. The model stated she is 'honored' to face both collections and that 'it's wonderful to represent a company that matches my values and it's exciting to be able to collaborate in this way'.

The collection will launch in certain stores on April 10th 2014 and whilst the looks are still under wraps, you can view some behind the scenes footage on YouTube now.

Steal her Style: Poppy Delevingne

She may not be the biggest headlining Delevingne, but it would serve us all well to remember that Cara's big sis Poppy has actually been on the scene a lot longer than the Burberry model and, let's face it, she is just as stylish than her younger counterpart.

Whilst Cara's style screams attention seeker just like her behaviour, Poppy has somewhat of a more casual yet sophisticated style something that she proved perfectly when stepping out earlier this week in this blazer, courtesy of H&M.  What's that you ask?  A model and socialite of this calibre in a high street brand?  Why yes my lovelies, even the wealthy fashionista loves a bargain, but then again at £34.99 who wouldn't?

Lady Gaga teams with US H&M

Lady Gaga will team with US chains of H&M for the release if her Artpop album, released today. The album will be carried in 175 of the retailers US stores and will sell for $9.95 and won't be replenished once sold out - although these sales won't count towards Billboard sales as H&M don't report sales to Nielson Soundscan (the company who track music sales for the Billboard chart).  If that wasn't enough, Gaga herself will be in hand to help H&M open their new Times Square store on Nov 14th. 

Wear the trend: Pink Coats

Everyone knows that the pink coat is the must have item this season.  Shown this season by the likes of Carven, it wasn't too long before stores such as Zara had replicated the look with their own (much lower) price tag.  Choosing the right kind of winter coat is hard enough work as it is (bare in mind it is the only part of your outfit most people will see!) and considering that a coat like this is barely going to see you through to next season then it's more important than ever to pick the right one.  Here's my top 5 from the high street.

1) Wool coat £79.99 - H&M

2) Mil £99.00 - Marks and Spencer

3) Masculine studio overcoat £179.00 - Zara

4) Lacy coat £239 - Hobbs

5) Neon boucle coat £250 - Boutique by Jaeger

Payday Purchase

Every year we have an 'IT' coat and unsurprisingly this years comes by way of Spanish retailer Zara. Gracing the pages of Vogue, Elle and every other fashion glossy, the powder pink coat is the must have item on all of our winter shopping lists right? Well, not mine.

I love pink, don't get me wrong, but there is something this shade of a coat that doesn't sit right with me. I found this khaki number in H&M for only £35, a muc better colour, style and, lets face it, price. 

The canvas and leather fabric contrast is a bit repetitive of last years Zara number, but the quilted style of the sleeves offers a fashionable update and the canvas fabric as opposed to wool makes it a better option for the in between months of Autumn and Winter. The best part? Khaki coats will repeat a lot more than a powder pink!

Beckams Stunt Double

David Beckham’s new advert for H&M, truly a work of art thanks to Brit director Guy Ritchie. The advert released by the retailer has had plenty of media coverage since its launch, thanks largely to the shot of Beckham’s bum as he clenches his muscle. That said, one would think it ridiculous that one of the hottest men on earth has in fact used a stunt double, wouldn’t you?

Well thanks to beady eyed Becks lovers, who spotted continuity errors in the ad (namely the disappearing tattoos) H&M have admitted that whilst “David was very involved in the advert including doing most of the stunts, due to his tight schedule a body double was used in smaller parts of the video.”

Don’t worry though ladies, the bum is all Becks!!

Steal her Style: Larissa Loughlin

Last week’s post featured a number of items from the wardrobe of the CW’s new, younger Carrie Bradshaw. This week’s comes from the same series but in the form of English wild card Larissa Loughlin, played by Freema Agyeman. Again a piece from H&M, this dress wasn’t one that I particularly liked when it was in store last season, having seen it reworked on the small screen has not only made me wish I’d bought the dress, but inspired me to rework some pieces from my own wardrobe.

 

Larissa wore the dress to a Halloween party in Manhattan and reworked it with a feather waistcoat, a feathered hat and bright pink eyelash extensions to complete her look as a ‘Bird of Paradise’. Considering most of the guests at the party were dressed in provocative underwear and masquerade masks (With the exception of Carrie and Walt who went as Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles respectively), Larissa was undoubtedly the best dressed of the episode.

As with last week’s pieces, the dress is now sold out in store. However a few can still be found on eBay. Whilst it is not the most versatile of dresses Agyemans character shows that with just a few simple touches a statement dress like this can be used for more than just one occasion.

Steal her Style: Carrie Bradshaw

Whether you like her or not, the name Carrie Bradshaw is synonymous with fashion. Whilst Sex and the City ended almost 9 years ago and the brands last movie was a huge disappointment to say the least, the CW's latest offering 'The Carrie Diaries' more than makes up for it (at the same time filling a large Gossip Girl shaped hole in our lives). Based on Candace Bushnell's best selling prequel the series, set in the 80's, follows a 16 year old Carrie Bradshaw during her junior year at high school. Whilst a teenage Carrie obviously has less access to the high end designers we saw her wear in the original HBO series, her closet is as covetable as ever, perhaps more so due to the fact that a large part of her wardrobe is filled with pieces available on our high street stores today.

Even though our high street faves Topshop, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Forever 21 all appear, you couldn't miss the fact that the stylists have chosen H&M as their retailer of choice whilst styling the young fashion icon. Episode two saw Carrie, played by AnnaSophia Robb, wearing a number from the brands Trend Collection and Episode three saw her wearing a pink and silver jumper from the Swedish retailers everyday concept. Whilst neither pieces are available online, both are still available in store - both priced at £24.99. Our favourite piece so far, however, has to be this digital print dress, also from the Trend Collection, which bears an uncanny resemblance to those shown by Mary Katrantzou. Whilst the piece is no longer available in store you can still purchase it on ebay.

Payday Purchase

Whilst stripes and neutral minimalism were undoubtedly the key trends on the SS13 runways, metallic hues made an appearance more than once, thanks to designers such as Viktor and Rolfe and Burberry. Whilst metallic colours normally denote futuristic trend, this isn’t the case for the upcoming season, and with Romeo Beckham fronting the Burberry SS13 advertising campaign, you’d of had to of been living under a rock to not of noticed the brand Quality Street-esque take on the colours.

If you have, in fact, been living under the aforementioned rock then lucky for you that the high street has been taking notes. If like me you find metallic colours a little intimidating to work into your everyday wardrobe, then this clutch from H&M may be the perfect option. Priced at only £14.99 it will hardly break the bank, and it’s compact size offers the ideal solution of trying the trend before committing to a bigger purchase.

Payday Purchase

Apologies for the lack of posts, but fear not, all coursework has finally been submitted and there is time to blog again!! What better way to celebrate than with a pair of new boots?

I realise that I'm a fashion student and I am one of those geeks that gets excited in my retail job when a customer asks for wardrobe advice because it gives me a chance to link everything back to catwalk trends and designer influences and some on. Somedays however I just look at myself in the mirror and wonder how the hell they let me on my course with the way I dress!

My footwear seems to be a major factor of this, I seem to own one pair of boots, some uggs and then copious amount of ballet pumps/slippers. Time for a serious footwear overhall then.

What better way to begin this upheaval than with these GORGEOUS 'Adonis2' Cutout boots from Topshop. Teamed with wooly socks, a grey cotton dress and a leather jacket (this one from H&M looks fab), it's a surefire way to ensure you get noticed!