The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Matthew Williamson for H&M

Matthew Williamson for H&M

I finally checked out what was left of the Matthew Williamson for H&M collection at the store on Fifth Avenue at 42nd St in NYC, and in all fairness, there wasn't very much to review. But I think I got an adequate taste of the collection's summery, world-traveler, exotic get-a-way vibe, as well as a sense of the quality (on par with the rest of H&M's "nicer" things) and the prices (steep). The only thing I really wanted was a wildly colored bag but I couldn't fathom spending $95 odd dollars on a canvas duffle from H&M, Matthew Williamson or not. Did anyone scoop up some goodies from this collection? What did you think of it?

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP

Matthew Williamson for H&M
Pucci-esque chiffon kaftan. Love the print. No place to wear it.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
detail of the kaftan


Matthew Williamson for H&M
Ok, I'll admit I felt kinda glamorous when I tried it on...

Matthew Williamson for H&M
Silk jumpsuit...I can't remember the exact price but I know it was over $200. Yikes.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
Detail shot of the silk jumpsuit


Matthew Williamson for H&M
A breezy hot pink top with parrot embroidery and small mirror sequins.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
I don't think the poor quality of the embroidery warranted the high prices...but fun nonetheless.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
Tip: If a top is THIS wrinkled in the dressing room, it won't get any better when you bring it home.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
I love the sleeves on this dress, very romantic and bohemian...


Matthew Williamson for H&M
detail shot of the dress (more parrots or possibly quetzals)


Matthew Williamson for H&M
This dress actually looked good when you moved your arms (showcasing the dramatic sleeves). It was also very forgiving in the mid-section and had a really relaxed feel, perfect for a summer vacation...


Matthew Williamson for H&M
The collection's color palette was marked by lots of fuchsia and electric blue, as seen on this cardigan with an embroidered and beaded peacock feather detail.


Matthew Williamson for H&M
Close up shot of the peacock feather



Matthew Williamson for H&M
Blue tulip skirt with soutache detailing ($59.90)

Matthew Williamson for H&M
Close up of the tulip skirt


Matthew Williamson for H&M
Pink and blue? Why not. Too bad the cardigan puckered in a weird way. Eh, it was overpriced anyways!


Comments
Having a contest on my blog - giving away THREE dresses, including Love Yaya (retail $170 or something)!

I like the parrot black dress a lot - the skirt is cute too, but it's too over-priced for something that is just gonna be seen on everyone anyway (the line in general). Again, I love the feel of these clothes, the exotic details, etc but I would just be afraid that because it is so distinctive looking, it would be hard to make it "your own." - know what I mean?
#1 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 11:32 (Reply)
You look AMAZING in the kaftan and the blue skirt! I think you need to go back and get them! If you don't have anywhere to wear the kaftan, dress it down by wearing it with shorts or maybe even beige/white leggings? You are so pretty and have such a lovely figure! :-)
#2 Leia (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 11:57 (Reply)
Love the palette - pink and blue are so vibrant together - and many of these pieces look like they'd be such fun to wear. But man, those prices ... at H&M?
#3 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 12:07 (Reply)
i loveeee the first piece and the black dress! while really gorgeous, i still think it's a bit overpriced for h&m.

maybe i'm just used to running into h&m and finding $13 skirts :p
#4 couture on 2009-06-08 12:10 (Reply)
You're in NYC, BB? Warmest welcome! How long will you be here? I just went to H&M at Herald Square. Nobody was browsing through the Matthew Williamson line. Most women were at the 30% off summer bottoms in the next aisle. The kaftan looks great on you though! Very breezy and summery!
#5 Bujuy (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 12:21 (Reply)
This is a silly question, but what exactly is a kaftan? Is it worn like a tunic (vs. dress or poncho)? I feel like I've been under a rock. ;-) Love the black dress! I wonder if it'll be at my local H&M..
#6 Alexandra on 2009-06-08 12:34 (Reply)
I think kaftan has come to mean any type of light cover-up, but you could wear it as a dress, top, tunic, you name it!
#6.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-06-09 00:33 (Reply)
great pieces...i love that kaftan on you!
#7 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 13:09 (Reply)
I actually purchased just the blue peacock print tank top ($24.90). I really wanted the sequin dress and actually the second time I went to H&M (about 2 weeks after the new collection debuted), I saw one on the rack in my size but it was slightly out of my price range ($249).
#8 Philiana on 2009-06-08 14:03 (Reply)
You look good in the black dress and blue skirt! The skirt is pretty wearable, why didn't you get it?

I know which bag you're talking about, I think it looks like a typical H&M product but not necessarily Matthew Williamson. Not to mention that they have a matching print wallet. Totally does not match the rest of the peacock-themed line (age wise).

Didn't see the jumpsuit and cardigan in my H&M! (in Hong Kong)
#9 Pretty Lil' Things (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 14:13 (Reply)
It's not really fair because you make rather so-so clothes look fabulous! :-)
#10 christina on 2009-06-08 15:56 (Reply)
i LOVE the pink and blue outfit at the bottom! it looks amazing on you!
#11 Neira (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 16:37 (Reply)
Oooh la la! You look good in anything :0)

Like the kaftan and black mini best. FABULOUS!
#12 angie (Homepage) on 2009-06-08 17:48 (Reply)
I love the pink and blue together!!! And the kaftan is adorbs!
#13 Jenns on 2009-06-08 18:23 (Reply)
BB, you look very hot in all the outfits :-)
#14 lyna on 2009-06-08 22:10 (Reply)
I really like the black dress!
It looks very comfortable.
#15 maria (Homepage) on 2009-06-09 00:28 (Reply)
Budget Babe, please tell me where you got your great ballet flats! I've been looking all over for a reasonably priced pair (yes, I want it all - cheap but doesn't look it) I can wear to work and while running my weekend errands!
#16 Gillian on 2009-06-09 01:02 (Reply)
I was just in H&M yesterday and saw the collection, or what was left of it. I would of loved to pick up the floral printed dress with the sleeves..but they sold out already. The duffel bag was darling and ever so cute for a weekend away, but the $99 price was a lot to spend, until I saw it was marked down to $49, much more friendly price!

Could you also have another feature on Hunter wellies, they say it could be an El Nino summer, which would be groovy to have.
#17 Tiffany on 2009-06-10 11:03 (Reply)
I love the silk pucci kimono, the black parrot print dress, the jumpsuit and the pretty teal skirt and pink sweater. Did you buy anything? H&M can be kinda of pricey sometimes.
#18 budget chic on 2009-06-10 21:24 (Reply)
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