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The Recessionista Review: Jimmy Choo for H&M is a Winner.

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Pictured: One of my top pick’s from the Jimmy Choo for H&M collection, this 1920s style bracelet, with two strands of pearls flanking rhinestones, reasonably priced at $24.99. There is also a matching necklace.

I’m just back from checking out the new H&M for Jimmy Choo Holiday Collection at H&M. The collection will go on sale tomorrow, Nov. 14th at select H&M stores. Overall, I have to say the collection exceeded my expectations. I only have two little nits with the collection, and I will get them right out of the way up front:

1) There seems to be no woman’s clothing in size 42 or 44 (women’s US 12 or 14) in the collection. Note: some of the tunic tops and the beaded cardigan, even though they are medium size, are cut loose and have some give. Try them on, to check the size–they may fit a large. Unfortunately, I don’t think the dresses will. They seemed true to size, and only go to size 10/40. If there were any garments over size 10, I did not see them.

2) In the woman’s shoe department, there are no size 10 shoes. The highest size is a size 9 in this collection.

I want to let people know this right up front, because if you are looking for those particular sizes of clothing or shoes then don’t stand or sleep out tonight in front of an H&M store in the cold as winter approaches. Save yourself!

Now, onto the good news. There are some great picks in this collection for savvy shoppers who love luxury goods like Jimmy Choo. The H&M collection is faithful to original Jimmy Choo designs. I’m happy to report, that if you are a Jimmy Choo lover, and you want to pay less than what JC charges then you won’t be disappointed. Indeed, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars that H&M had this idea. Please note, only 200 H&M stores around the world are carrying this collection, so its very exclusive and it will be hard to find. If you can, try to get it in an H&M so you won’t pay a 200% mark-up on eBay.

I spoke with H&M spokesperson Jennifer Uglialoro at the H&M Fifth Ave. store tonight. She explained. ” We started talking to Tamara (Mellon ) from Jimmy Choo about six months ago. She immediately said yes to collaborating with H&M for a holiday collection. We were going to do women, and then we thought, let’s do a collection for the Jimmy Choo boyfriend too, so we did a men’s line. The collection is perfect for the holidays and affordably priced. The most expensive item is the woman’s over-the-knee boots for $299.00.” Jennifer notes, that “This collection is produced in limited quantities to preserve its exclusivity.” When I admired her bracelet, Jennifer noted if was part of the collection, well-priced at only $24.99. See the picture above of this stunning 1920s looking faux pearl and rhinestone bit of bling. There is also a matching necklace. Be on the alert for the accessories laying on counter tops and display tops in the store in little blue pouches, with blue ribbon ties.

Pictured: H&M Spokesperson Jennifer Uglialoro in the Jimmy Choo one shoulder gray suede dress 149.99 (GBP) 249 (US) 199 (EUR) and an H&M belt. She is also wearing the adorable Jimmy Choo bracelet (my favorite) pictured above.
Pictured: Two of the bags, I was disappointed in. The fuchsia clutch ($55.95) the design is so lovely, but the material is hard plastic. The zebra carry bag next to it was also a bit disappointing, at least to me. The leather Jimmy Choo handbags and hobos were more expensive, but better quality.

Pictured: The Black Sequined Cocktail dress is a winner but only goes up to size 40/US 10. I wish there had been 42/12s and 44/14s, but the line is sized smaller, probably to help keep the prices down. Do try it on though, to check the fit, the top of the dress was definitely loose fitting. The dress is well fairly reasonable or the design and material at 99.99 GBP 199 USD 149 EUR. The small zebra bag with gold studs sits along side the dress.

Pictured: Two of my favorites, the royal blue shawl/scarf ($49.99 US) and the black 1920s style tunic. The tunic only goes to size medium. The blue of the scarf/shawl is really rich looking.

Pictured: The 1920s style tunic ($99.00) with sequins worn with the thigh-high over the knee boots. The boots are all leather and priced at $299.00. The tunic is very soft, and there is plenty of give in the fabric. The photo does not do it justice. The tunic is only sized to medium, but it could also fit a large. The fabric has give in it.

Pictured: Jimmy Choo for H&M Dress with rhinestones priced at 69.99 (GBP) 129 (US) 99 (EUR). This one also look good , but I didn’t get to try it. I did notice there were no sizes beyond size 10/40.

Pictured: Jimmy Choo for H&M Sequin cardigan 69.99 (GBP) 129 (USD) 99 (EUR)I personally love this! I snapped this one up!

Of course, I can’t talk about Jimmy Choo without mentioning the handbags. I had two personal favorite picks. Both were black leather bags.

Pictured: The leather black bag with gold studs is better looking than the website pics, the price is $199.99. The animal print scarf along side it is a nice compliment.

Pictured: My sin, I bought this Jimmy Choo bag for $149.US. I hadn’t seen it in any magazines, but in store, its very handsome with many handy pockets inside and outside for carrying items you need to get to quickly. (think keys!)

Pictured: My holiday flats, with silver studs, for $69.00 US.
To sum it up, the H&M Jimmy Choo collection is a win. The menswear also looked good. My favorites for men were the royal blue scarf, V-neck sweater and the black tuxedo jacket. The styles are classic and can be worn forever.

Pictured: Jimmy Choo for H&M men’s jacket a forever classic.

Pictured: For men, I love this royal blue V-neck sweater, and I think 00oo00 wants this “manbag.

I may have gone a little crazy for Choo! But, I tried to pick classic items, that I can get a lot of wear out of. In my opinion the beaded tunics and the beaded cardigan will take me though all my holiday parties on into the New Year. The bag, shoes and vintage vogue bracelet I can wear any time. If I feel generous, some JC for H&M may even turn up under the Xmas tree for others. With Jimmy Choo for H&M it is hard to think that its better to give than to receive though 🙂

Check the H&M site for stores carrying the collection your part of the world. Also read the guidelines for waiting in line. Good luck baragainistas!!! Leave a comment and let me know what you find. Below are guidelines from HM.com about how to shop the sale.

For more pictures, check my other post on the collection and the prices. Good luck tomorrow and stay safe!


PS : I snuck back into H&M for one more JC item, I couldn’t resist the necklace……
Pictured: The Jimmy Choo necklace to match the bracelet, $49.99.

 

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Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of The Recessionista Blog, which is read by thousands of regular readers in over 160 countries. An internationally recognized expert on the art of the living the good life for less, she has been a commentator on local, national, and international radio and TV shows. Her advice has been featured in over 2,000 media outlets, including The New York Times, Reuters, Life & Style magazine, ABC News, NBC News and now The Huffington Post, among many others.

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