Review:
Accessories
The easiest way to tap into the trends is with accessories, and the bases are covered here. Folkloric shawls, geometric bangles and decadent faux-fur scarves are on our list, along with the multi-strand necklace decorated with a mix of prisms, pendants and dangling chains. For holiday soirees, there are plenty of satin gloves and rhinestone embellishments to keep you fancy.
Swimwear
For those of us who prefer to stick to the shallow end—at least when it comes to reaching into our wallets—this Swedish retailer is the place to find inexpensive, trendy swimwear you won’t miss when it gets sun-bleached or swept away. Inspirations for summer arose from hot holidays in far-flung Africa, India, Hawaii and South America, as seen in bikinis and kimono-sleeved cover-ups printed with tropical flowers, ombré effects, dip dyes and ikat designs in clementine, turquoise, white and black. Some suits even feature rich Indian gold-thread embroidery and intricate beading, and if you feel guilty for spending so little, don’t: 10 per cent of sales from one style of the retailer’s bikinis are donated to WaterAid, which provides safe water, sanitation and hygiene education in impoverished areas (2007’s contribution totalled more than $160,000).
Lingerie
Should you subscribe to the theory that lingerie only ends up on the floor, this is a good choice for loading up on intimates. Boasting highly affordable pieces that, like the store’s clothing, bear more than a close resemblance to more expensive designer brands, spring’s collection takes its cues from the clean trends of the ’50s to the ’70s in saucy new shapes. Claudia Schiffer looked so hot when she modelled H&M lingerie for a former holiday campaign that the people of Frankfurt—OK, the guys of Frankfurt—stole hundreds of posters of her from subway stations all over the city. We’re not saying you’ll be that smouldering when you wear the goods, but it’s worth a shot. And you’ll probably have enough cash left over for a handbag.
Shoes, Boots, and Bags
Now that this Swedish clothing emporium is expanding its collection of shoes, you’ll be able to strut your stuff in platform pumps—red Mary Janes or cognac-coloured slingbacks—styled for day with an oversized, multi-pocket carryall, or gussied up for night with a silver sequined hip sack.
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The much-anticipated Comme des Garçons collaboration doesn’t land until November—until then, stock up on lace-up boots and large, soft folkloric bags.
25 locations across Canada.