If you know me, I am ALWAYS on the run to NYC. Seriously! NYC is the birthplace of fashion besides the UK: for upcoming trends, fashion shows, indie designers, new collection(s) for the season. The place my cousin and I always like to visit the most is H&M flagship store off of 7th Ave in Time Square! Most of the time, I am racing to the jewelry wall ( *cues halo songs*) due to the limited selection at home and haul tailing to the 2nd floor. The 2nd-floor displays the hottest designers we love and adore. This year Moschino is collaborating with H&M this November. The collection is set to be released on November 8th. Be prepared for your pockets! Me on the other hand, I'll just be looking hahaha, However, What I love most about H&M is affordable prices, endless sales, and quality clothes. Granted, I do not agree with the political stance that transpired recently this year.

So how do you work the room being anxious and overwhelmed by the many pieces? Well here is the description of how H&M is set up. New collection or trend it towards the front of the store, a mixture out of season and sale items are in the middle, clearance is always in the back corner or back wall. Professional wear is line up closest to the wall on the front right or front left corner. H&M (should be)is color coordinate with different hues of a solid color(s). Now let's get started!

Here are some tips and suggestions to get you MORE for your BUCK and find essentials for your wardrobe!

1) SALE SEASON- It's a scavenger hunt in H&M depending on the setup and/or location. For Sales, you're going to look at one or two things - that RED TAG ( golden ticket) and the price display mounted on top of the rack. Sale/ Clearance items are normally in the far back; however, sometimes, associates will store pieces in the middle of a new collection or next to professional wear. I am unsure if anyone is catching onto the H&M strategic plan to swindle you to purchase the new collection first- haha just kidding. Sale season normally starts during the holiday(s), back to school, and Black Friday. Middle and end of July is the perfect time to purchase your summer wardrobe pieces to wear for next summer. February/March is are the months' H&M start to put out spring wardrobe, but most importantly, to grab those markdown winter items before they get rid of stock during those months. Key point: Work your way from the front to the back of the store (clearance then collection). Holidays and certain months are one of your big-ticket items.

2) Men’s' Section: I love the baggy pants and graphic tees in the Mens' section. Versatility is everything! Sometimes I get tired of wearing skinny jeans. I want the cargo army pants looking like Aaliyah in the early 90s, please. But Ladies, we all know you've been stashing your favorite piece(s) that you have been eyeing since two seasons ago. Because H&M finally marked it down, you are unsure what size to get due to there are only two shirts with a different size you may need. And Tia's birthday is two days away. I see you! ha So what you do, You hide them in the most expensive area of H&M (where nobody is looking) or in the Men's section. Ladies, please check in the men's section for your pieces. I promise you. Last year, I found a bubble black crop coat markdown for 50% off, received an additional 20% off the family card, 15% off coupon from the recycling program. Guess how much it was? $11.00! Guess where it was hidden... Exactly, case closed haha. Keep Point 2: Go check in your Man's section!

3) "Where the discounts at ?!"- If you love a good discount, you might want to do a partial donation to the Goodwill or Salvation Army, and head to H&M. H&M has a recycling program, in which you donate your unwanted clothes, and receive 15% off coupon off your next purchase! Sweet, right? Get this, if you have a family and who work at H&M, you could receive a 20%off family card! The family card is only if you're related to the employee. The 20% off is a one-time usage. See, working in retail has its perks, and being nice to family members is great too. Key point: grab them trash bags, store the clothes in your car trunk, go get your discount!

4) Professional wear- Working a 9-5 corporate office could be daunting at times. Why not spice it up with your wardrobe with professional casual chic wear. H&M has the staples to create the "look" we all been looking for. We are talking about satin blouse(s), tweed pants, ankle editorial pants, pleated and pencil skirts for every formal occasion. For meetings, you can dress up or down! For example:

With this ensemble, I wanted to encompass the olive green in some shape or form from the floral satin top. I really wanted to bring out the blouse and not be too matchy. I decided to go for the pleated olive green pants, which I love! They remind me of gaucho pants in the early 90s (sort of) due to the flair at the hips. I love how the pants hug my waistline and sit right at the ankle to show off my shoes. The fact I was able to match the same exact olive green in the shirt, editorial style, and pleated at the waist, and the texture from the satin shirt did not throw off the pants was priceless!! It was well worth a $40 pair of pants. The satin blouse is kimono top that I have scored for $20! The kimono blouse had a sash attach; however, I removed the sash for it will overpower the pleated pants.

Key Point: Do not sleep on H&M professional wear

After these tips, you should be good and ready to take on the H&M challenge! Shoot me an email, let me know your findings for the autumns months!

XO

Charnelle