Branching out

Sunday, April 17, 2011

I had high hopes for H&M's new Conscious Collection, but on release day, only about half the collection was out on the floor.

The item on the top of my wishlist, the Recycled Fabric Blazer (#24) was nowhere to be found! I was beyond bummed when the SA told me they're expecting more shipments over the weekend. I still need to make another trip back out.

I did find and tried on the Organic Cotton Skirt (#36), but no matter how many times I rolled up the waist, it was still much too long on me. The fabric was also so sheer, it was see-through. I passed.

The last item on my wishlist is this pair of Tencel Shorts (#33). A size 2 on me fit just right, in fact maybe a tiny bit snug. Instead of an elastic waist, there is a side button to hold the shorts up. I don't know why I was drawn to them because they're not my usual style. I own mostly cotton clothing and with the thicker fabric, I can't see them going well with these shorts. The flowy and pleated fabric called for something loose and drapey on top and I had just the perfect one in mind. I still need to find more ways to wear the shorts though -- otherwise it's a bit silly to keep them only to wear this exact outfit over and over. How would you style these shorts?

top: LOFT
sash: J.Crew
bag: Chanel

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35 comments

  1. I thought the black sash was connected with the shorts but you cleverly added that on there! I really like it perfectly how you styled it. I personally am a fan of opposite textures, so cotton vs. flowy shiny works so well. I would like to see it with some of your cotton button downs. Maybe with a sash like this here?

    One of the good things about only having half of the items is that the ones pending can't be sold out yet! Muahaha. I really can't wait to see what the organic maxi length skirt looks on you.

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  2. Love the new layout, Cee! I thought the black sash was part of the skirt too. These shorts remind of a pair of J Crew's Georgette mini shorts I saw on Chloe.

    http://www.thechloeconspiracy.com/2010/07/outfit-of-day-ha-ha.html

    I love the way you styled it here and think it would look good with other long-sleeved shirts tucked in (especially a chambray one) or a fitted top and a boyfriend cardigan over it.

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  3. The new layout looks so nice! the outfit looks pretty good, I wouldn't have thought those shorts came from H&M. If you paired the shorts with something fitted, it would still look nice! =)

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  4. You styled those shorts perfectly, Cee. I love how you added the black sash to define your waist. I have tried on a few items from this collection but it was disappointing.

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  5. The shorts are really cute...I wish shorts looked that good on me lol!

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  6. This outfit looks absolutely classy! I'm clueless when it comes to wearing shorts. The way I wear shorts always makes me look like my summer/beachy childhood/teen days. I've been loving the way Juley from http://swankheights.blogspot.com/search?q=shorts wears her shorts and looks so fashionable! You're right on spot with the white button-up blouse. I also agree with Stylepint on it looking good with fitted top too (I'm thinking 3/4 fitted sleeve tee with some fancy gemstone necklace to make it look classy? yah?) I'll go back to looking at other blog sites for more ways.. (so I really do like those shorts on you!)

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  7. I agree with everybody..your new layout is really pretty.

    I went to H & M today and saw the collection. I thought it was meh but the shorts look really good on you!

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  8. @Banhannas - I thought the sash might be too matchy-matchy with my flats, but what the heck, sometimes matching is good :)

    @R.L. - Ooh! Thanks for the Chloe link. I will have to steal some styling tips from her :)

    @Stylepint - Haha I think my blurry camera made the shorts look nicer than they are :) I would say they're pretty consistent with H&M quality.

    @PetiteLittleGirl, @b_ra - Oh no... not you too! Did you by any chance find the scalloped blazer Jean reviewed and passed on? I really, really want to get my hands on that.

    @Tara - Give it a shot because shorts don't normally look like this on me! (I usually go for the lower-waisted kind).

    @Olyvia - Great idea! I think my H&M lace top would look great with these shorts. Will have to try that soon. And thank you for linking Juley's blog. She wears shorts so well!

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  9. I adore this outfit! The shorts look amazing on you. I like the way you added the sash for a belted look. (Oh, yah, forgot you were the sash queen.)
    BTW, the new layout is nice!

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  10. The shorts look great on you! I like the way you styled them as well.

    It was also a fail for me. I bought the tank but it's going back because I don't love how it fits on me. I wanted the lacy dress but it was no where to be found in my store. :(

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  11. eeek love the new layout!! So jealous that you can change it up so easily ;)

    I love the shorts on you - you have great legs! I'm sorry I can offer no advice I stay away from shorts. I only have 2 pairs - one I actually wear out sometimes and the other is for wearing on top of my bathing suit while snorkling :P

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  12. Cee, I am in love with these shorts! And your legs look A-MAZING. I'm on the hunt for non-boring shorts and these are totally inspiring! Hmmm, H&M, huh?

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  13. cee, those shorts are PERFECT on you! man, i would kill to be able to wear shorts and short skirts :(

    as for styling, you could throw on a black blazer, lol!

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  14. I have yet to pop into H&M to check out this collection but I really REALLY want to. So jealous you already scored a piece from this collection already! It looks GREAT on you!

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  15. nice layout cee! :)

    damn, girl those shorts are HOT! i think they can be styled in a lot of diff ways...perhaps a peachy silk shell w/ the black sash tied around the neck area...um...let's see what else...a floral long sleeves shirt...blazer?

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  16. Cee you look so so gorgeous and classy as ALWAYS. I absolutely LOVE your flats. I remember seeing them in another post - a dressing room post I believe? I wish they weren't so dang expensive. :(

    Love your new layout, too. :->

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  17. the new blog design is lovely!! and i really like those shorts on you. i think you did a great job styling it with a white linen shirt and think it would go great with just about anything since it's a wonderful neutral color. and you have the most amazing legs too!

    cute & little

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  18. I love how you styled the shorts! I actually saw them in H&M's window display today but passed on them. Now you're making me wish I didn't! I don't think it would be wrong to wear the shorts with just a plain black or white crew neck tee and a statement necklace. Or maybe a fitted nautical or patterned top! They seem pretty versatile to me and like you could style them with a plethora of things. Looking forward to seeing more of how you do it!

    Have a great week!
    Jen

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  19. I'm surprised you actually came out with something....wished there were more fitting room pics. I think I saw that blazer at the store I went to - not 100% positive though. The fabric was very meh. The shorts do look nice on you though --- I think you can wear a bright color shirt to bring more pop. I think cotton would look fine with it.

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  20. I too went to H&M a couple of times but came out empty handed. (I was searching for the scallop shorts.) I saw the ones you're wearing but they're a little sheer so I didn't even try them on. I agree with Jen @ herwaisechoice...a fitted nautical top would look really good. :)Since it's a billowy/flowy on the bottom, I would keep the top more fitted. :)

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  21. Love the new layout and the shorts! I personally love more formal items paired with shorts (your blouse is perfect) to off-set the general casual feeling of them. I think blazers or button-downs would look great with it!

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  22. Those shorts are amazing, actually i love the whole outfit so feminine and simple and fresh and looove that black sach :)
    http://insidekatouscloset.blogspot.com/

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  23. I'm so jealous of how naturally tan you are, Cee. Those shorts look amazing on you!

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  24. @Vicky - Hehe, the sash was a last minute touch. I was afraid it might look too obi-like, but ehh... where else can I try out new things if not on my blog :)

    @JenlovesBal - Which lacy dress are you eyeing? Link or #? And what size are you? I'll keep my eyes peeled for you when I go back to find that blazer next.

    @Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews) - Before this pair of shorts, I own two pairs too! They're both khaki-type material and I would wear them the same way you do. I'm determined to try out new styles with them this summer though.

    @Erin - That's so nice of you to say. One of the girls I lived with in college once told me I have fat calves. Oh man, was I super self-conscious after that. But I outgrew that phase and learned to love my skinny thighs and fat calves :D

    @Leena - Ahh yes! The blazer is the solution to everything. In fact, I think my navy blazer would look great with this :)

    @Elle - I don't know Elle... I think you should put off that trip as long as possible... because I have a feeling you'll buy out all the dresses ;) But really, there are so many that is your style! I can't wait to see which ones you end up with.

    @Kimchi Girl - Thank you for all the styling suggestions! I own 1/3 that you mentioned, but it's definitely given me more ideas :)

    @Aubrey - Yeah, my flats are the most expensive pair of shoes I own :( I have a tendency to splurge when I fall in love with something though. I haven't been able to find them for cheaper elsewhere (50% off is what I bought it for) AND I can't find any dupes for less $! But if I do, I'll be sure to send them your way :)

    @kileen - Thank you Kileen for all the compliments :)

    @herwaisechoice - Great styling tips, Jen. Everything you mentioned I have in my closet, so I'll definitely be trying them out!

    @Jarucha - I can't help it *sheepish* I can forgive shoddy worksmanship if I really like the design, ie: these shorts and the blazer (which Jean also said looked and felt cheap, but I have a feeling I'll end up buying).

    @Sunshine - Hmm... in the fitting room the shorts didn't show anything underneath, but I wonder what would happen if I wear darker undergarments. I should give that a try before finally deciding. Thanks for letting me know!

    @SewPetiteGal - Yes, that's what I'm thinking too! Will definitely be trying out your styling tips :)

    @katou - Than you Katou!

    @kimmie - Say that again at the end of the summer, hahaha. You will NOT be jealous of how dark I get then. It only looks "nice" now because I haven't been out in the sun much.

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  25. ahhh i wish i lived closer to an h&m!!

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  26. You look amazing here!

    Monique xx

    misszuman.blogspot.com

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  27. omggg those shorts are SOOO freakin' cute on you cee!! and i seriously cannot get over your valentino flats they're just so classical looking but the bow makes it so feminine and prettty!!!!

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  28. I just discovered your blog. I love this outfit! Thanks for the inspiration. One question for you though - why in god's name would you round down on your height?? I am 5' 3.75" and I always round up to 5'4."

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  29. The whole outfit is adorable! Would look amazing for a night out with a great pair of pumps!

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  30. OMG- freaking love this outfit on you! Everything is perfection IMO:)

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  31. @Sandy a la Mode - Ahh... that's horrible :( Is there anything in particular that you're looking for? I can try to find it for you.

    @Monique, @Really Petite - Thanks :)

    @Lisa - hahaha your excitement is making me excited about these shorts all over again! The flats are SO YOU. I think you need a pair next to your CLs ;)

    @Petite-ish - Good question. I suppose for the longest time my mom and I were the same height, and she always said she was 5'4". It wasn't until I was measured at the dr's office did they tell me I'm 5' 4.75". But by then I had been so used to telling people I'm 5'4" that it just sorta stuck.

    @Cher - Thank you for the suggestion. I'll have to remember that when I'm in need of dressy outfits in the future!

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  32. The shorts look great in your outfit! The black belt is genius. I think the shorts would also look great with any evening tops, since its flowy and almost looks like a skirt.

    I also tried on a bunch of stuff from the Conscious Collection last week...it was disappointing. Only bought a pair of tencel shorts.

    -Lor

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  33. After seeing how cute they look on you, I went to H&M today to try on those shorts (imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right?) they didn't have them in my size but I ended up purchasing the white eyelet ones that are sort of in the same style. Because they have a bit of poof to them, I think they would look totally cute with a fitted white tank or simple ivory colored t shirt and a long-ish cardigan or blazer :)

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  34. Great find. And I love the way you styled it with the flowy top and black sash. Very chic and feminie. I never have good luck when shopping at H & M:-(

    http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

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I'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!

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