The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: H&M Garden Collection


It's been a week since the Garden Collection launched to much fanfare at H&M stores but I'm just getting around to posting my off the rack photos now. I went to 2 stores in New York City on the day it launched and tried on a bunch of stuff but ultimately left empty handed. Shocking, I know. It's not that the collection wasn't great, because it was. It was really amazing and had lots of strong pieces. But I stubbornly wanted the abstract floral dress with the big pockets, and I couldn't find my size, so I didn't buy anything. Logical? Not really, but sometimes I get weird when I shop. Anyways, my mall store has a lot of pieces still in stock so I might go back and get something. If you haven't already, let me know what you liked, didn't like, bought, wanted to buy but couldn't find, in the comments!

This denim jacket fit nicely and I liked the puff sleeves.




Might go back for this top, colorful and comfortable.




This is the dress I wanted but couldn't find in my size. I'm sorta always between sizes at H&M which is frustrating.


This parka looked chic and fit well but I felt it was impractical for my needs.


Great blazer, nice fit, very versatile.




Note the puffy sleeves. Fierce!






This dress was so fabulous. Alas, where would I wear it?




Um. No.




This body-con dress was a tad too sheer. Love the sleeves though!
Comments
You are so are so darn cute!! Love several of those pieces so it's probably a good thing that there isn't a H&M store down here is San Antonio.
#1 Tracie on 2010-04-01 15:15 (Reply)
I've been wanting a flowery dress to wear - especially to soften up the look of my moto jacket. Got the notleather one at Express and LOVE it!
#2 Danielle on 2010-04-01 15:28 (Reply)
These pictures make me soo jealous! I have been scouting out this line for months, but the closest H&M is 4 hours away and have you SEEN what people are selling this stuff for on ebay? Highway robbery!
#3 Lauren (Homepage) on 2010-04-01 15:29 (Reply)
Hahaha, mostly cool, but I definitely have to agree with your "um, no". :-P
#4 Sandra on 2010-04-01 15:49 (Reply)
OK, now I am DYING to check out this collection in person!
#5 Sally (Homepage) on 2010-04-01 16:04 (Reply)
Love your chunky gold watch in the pictures. Who makes it?
#6 Kate on 2010-04-01 16:35 (Reply)
Kate - I was thinking the same thing! Its fabulous.
#6.1 Tanya on 2010-04-01 17:41 (Reply)
Ahhh I've been looking for a red spring formal dress and I think I have to go back to H&M for that red ruffled dress! Fabulous and fierce! All I need are gold accessories and nude heels!!!!
#7 Christina on 2010-04-01 17:33 (Reply)
I was one of girls who got to an H&M location right when it opened and tried on the strapless rose dress in both the red and white and tried on the v-necked dress with the big sleeves. I ended up buying all 3 items but decided just to keep the strapless rose dress in white.

I noticed that the sizing of the rose dresses were a bit off. I tried on 2 or 3 of the same dress and same size, only to notice that some fit better than others. Also, when I was inspecting my merchandise, noticed some tearing in the roses...so always inspect your clothes before paying!
#8 J on 2010-04-01 17:51 (Reply)
What about the red dress? I am usually a size 4 or 6 in H&M sizes, but am worried about buying the red dress online if I can’t try it on. Not sure if I should go for the size 8 to be safe? Doesn’t look like the type of dress you can easily alter if its too big. Any suggestions? Thanks!
#8.1 Rachel on 2010-04-27 20:37 (Reply)
I also visited H&M in NYC and tried on the white/cream rose dress. I absolutely loved it but bought the red instead. I wanted it for weddings or formal events, and that's why I decided against the white.
#9 Monica on 2010-04-01 18:33 (Reply)
I just walked out the store in love with everything. I had lost touch with H&M, but now I remember how wonderful they are for people on a budget. Just as great as Forever 21.
#10 Sarah Sosa on 2010-04-01 18:57 (Reply)
Your comments about the clothes make me want to be your friend. Esp the one about the poofy, over ruffled dress - "um, no." Rock on BB.
#11 Allison (Homepage) on 2010-04-01 19:17 (Reply)
I bought the kimono dress and the embroidered flower tunic for myself and then a bunch of other items to sell on ebay. I thought most items were pretty comfortable and cute!!!
#12 Kate on 2010-04-01 20:16 (Reply)
I got the kimono dress and love it. It's so pretty. I love that red rose dress too but I had the same problem, I have nowhere to wear it!
#13 Dina's Days (Homepage) on 2010-04-01 20:52 (Reply)
That abstract dress looks great on you! I got the $18 cotton dress w/the straps & hip pockets (don't see it here)- the crazy looking one w/about 3 different floral prints on it. Think it'll be the perfect Easter dress!
#14 Michelle (Homepage) on 2010-04-01 22:33 (Reply)
can't say I'm crazy about any of the clothes, but those boots you're wearing are cute!
#15 Justine on 2010-04-01 22:40 (Reply)
I really like this collection in person, but wasn't crazy about the tiny floral prints. The dress you like looks amazing on you! You must get it! What size are you looking for? Maybe I can find it here in NJ for you?
#16 Maddy (Homepage) on 2010-04-02 06:58 (Reply)
I really like the collection!
I bought a dress and a tee!
x
Emilie
http://whatshappeninginmyfashionworld.blogspot.com/
#17 EMILIE (Homepage) on 2010-04-02 07:28 (Reply)
I tried on the last dress in your photos, and agree that it was too sheer but also too tight to attempt a slip underneath. What's a girl to do? Also, love the commander-in-chic on the digits :-)
#18 Brit on 2010-04-02 08:42 (Reply)
Haven't been able to get in to stores to see this (closest one is 3 hours north!) so I'm glad you did this feature! The red dress is amazing! My friend who works at an HM in Vegas said his jaw dropped when they came in. It really is a pretty collection.

For what its worth, I think you should go back and get the colorful/comfortable top. Looks great!
#19 Emily (Homepage) on 2010-04-02 10:50 (Reply)
I really liked the flouncy blue modal shorts that zip in back, but I don't know where I'd wear them so I left them at the store.
I thought a lot of the stuff was too sheer and too strange int he hips, I would have loved the ruffle sleeve dress otherwise.
#20 Rebecca on 2010-04-02 12:03 (Reply)
Hi! (I'm from England so sizing might be different) Has anyone with a slightly larger bust tried on the red rose dress? Which size fitted best? I want to buy one from ebay (despite the hefty price tag!)I'm a size 10 usually (36) but worried it won't fit as my boobs are 34D. Any advice would be great! Thanks x
#21 Rebecca on 2010-04-02 16:12 (Reply)
Hey Rebecca - if it helps, I a 34D too, but I usually wear a size 6 or 8.. my size at H&M is usually an 8. IMO their sizes run small. So you might want to go up 1 size from what you normally wear.
#21.1 Tanya on 2010-04-02 16:35 (Reply)
I love the red dress as well...and not only do I have nowhere to wear it, but I'm worried it'd be a bit too short. Darn.
I also love that this stuff is recycled...it's kind of cool to think about.
#22 Case (Homepage) on 2010-04-02 19:54 (Reply)
I have yet to check out the collection in stores but the red rosette dress is gorgeous.
#23 Living Fly on a Dime (Homepage) on 2010-04-03 20:49 (Reply)
everything you tried on looks so amazing on you!!! can't believe you didn't come home with anything. i love the puff sleeve denim jacket. would probably go well with the ruffle front dress!!! oh, just looked at your comment... that's the dress you wanted. that's the one i love most too :-(
#24 Jennifer (Homepage) on 2010-04-03 22:03 (Reply)
Love all your picks BB :-)

I have been trying to find the strapless red rose dress forever! Unfortunately, I was away at school for the opening day. I went to 2 NYC stores the other day and all sold out :-( I did find the white strapless version but in a size 8 near me (I'm usually a size 4) but I became desperate and bought it. haha. If anyone finds the strapless red rose dress, please email me! I would love to use it for my college formal. Thankies!
#25 Kimberly (Homepage) on 2010-04-05 15:06 (Reply)
I bought the rose dress in white for my graduation in May. Any suggestions for accessories and shoes?
#26 Sandhya on 2010-04-08 14:42 (Reply)
I purchased the khaki blazer. I've worn it at least 2-3 days a week since I purchased it a few weeks back. Perfect spring/summer jacket. Lightweight, soft and like you said, versatile! Great fit too at a good price!
#27 Philiana on 2010-04-21 02:07 (Reply)
You are so lucky.
Here in Europe EVERYTHING is sold out!
I am looking for the red dress. I LOVE IT and I want it ;-)
So if anybody wants to buy it and send it to me (I will pay the costs OF COURSE) let me know :-)
#28 Inge on 2010-04-25 06:23 (Reply)
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