Swedish Hasbeens x H&M Release and Review (Updated!)

Black triple strap Swedish Hasbeens x H&M with organic Swedish Hasbeens tote

Update 5/5/11: the Fifth Avenue store next to Rockefeller Center still has plenty of sizes in the triple strap and lace-up clog styles, as well as a pair of the red sandals in a 39/8, located near the dressing rooms on 2nd or 3rd floor.

The Swedish Hasbeens and H&M collaboration was launched today in a very limited number of H&M stores (9 stores, 7 cities), far fewer stores than my beloved Lanvin x H&M collaboration. In Los Angeles, they were only released at the Beverly Center store. I had to go to Hollywood to K&L Wines to pick up a few bottles of wine that I ordered online anyway today, so I stopped by the Beverly Center to check out the collaboration launch. The shoes are handmade (according to the website) with real wood and real leather and regularly go for $250+, so at $59.99-$69.99, they were worth checking out. By the time I got there (2pm), many of the styles, including the white Mary Jane sandals that I really wanted, were gone. I suspect that everything will be mostly sold out by today since they released the shoes in so few stores. I wasn't expecting the shoes to go so fast as the collaboration didn't receive as much press as the Lanvin x H&M collection and plus it was released on a Wednesday, but I was wrong (again). I debated a long time between the gladiator-style white strappy wedges, tan strappy wedges and black strappy wedges, but ultimately went with the black strappy version for versatility between seasons and clothing style (see above for photo, excuse the yogawear). I think the black version is slightly edgier and dressier (and matches my new Balenciaga), but the white and nude versions are more summery and fit the boho 70's vibe of this season better. The lace-up clogs were also surprisingly cute on several people, but a woman before me grabbed the last one in my size and then it completely sold out while I was at the store. The black wedges aren't completely comfortable yet, particularly where the triple straps wrap, but I hope the leather breaks in with some wear (I will update this post with a fit review after a few wears). Supposedly, Swedish Hasbeens clogs are known for their comfort and durability. I am normally a size 6.5-7, mostly 7, and the size 37/6 fit perfectly. I was happy to see real fans of Swedish Hasbeens shopping the collection; while I was there another woman was wearing mainline Swedish Hasbeen clogs which she said were her favorite shoes ever. The clogs came with a cute organic Swedish Hasbeens / H&M tote bag. I'm actually glad there are only 3 different styles to prevent from going overboard, as with Lanvin x H&M where I bought way too many pieces of the collection, continually stalking the stores for more. Since I was already at H&M, I also picked up a couple of summery pieces from their "Conscious Collection," a collection of breezy organic / recycled pieces, including 70's style eyelet shorts and a blousey swiss dot and crochet peasant top. 

Update (4/23/11): K. was in Orange County on Saturday for Bootlegger's Brewery's 3rd Anniversary Party and kindly stopped by the H&M in South Coast Plaza to pick up a couple of pairs of Swedish Hasbeens x H&M shoes for me that were sold out at the Beverly Center location. He was able to get a pair of the white Mary Jane sandals that I really wanted in the first place in the right size (37/6) and a pair of the snakeskin pattern leather peep-toe lace-up clogs in one size up (38/7), although they didn't give him the tote bag unfortunately. Even though I regularly wear size 7 (as well as a European size 37; the H&M sizing is weird), the 38/7 is just too big for me and looks clunky so I'm probably going to return them. K. doesn't usually have much of an opinion on my fashion choices, but he's just not a fan of the snakeskin pattern leather look. It's too bad, because they are the most comfortable and so convenient to slip on and off (the total of 6 straps on the gladiator / strappy style are such a pain!). The mary jane style is also quite comfortable: doesn't feel like a high heel at all and feels very stable and easy to walk in. (update: I found a pair of the 37/6 at the Soho store in NYC fit perfectly that I will keep. I find that I wear the lace-up clog style the most since they are the most convenient and comfortable). As with all of the styles, the hard wooden sole takes some getting used to and may hurt the ball of the foot after a lot of walking around. Shoes worn with an H&M yellow and white striped knit 3/4 sleeve dress (perfect for Easter!) and an old H&M white hat.

White Swedish Hasbeens x H&M sandals

It's harder to tell from this angle, but it is definitely too big in the back (size 38/7). I've exchanged it for a smaller size that fits perfectly

Photos below of some of the Swedish Hasbeens collection from H&M website:

Red version is so cute; my mom bought a pair but I already have my fave Tom's red striped wedges