EAT Everyday: Maison Martin Margiela x H&M Purchases Reviewed

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M oversized cream cashmere sweater and pink candy clutch, Isabel Marant boots. Cozy and comfortable. Sleeves unfurled go past my knees.

More pics here, here, and here
Despite missing out on launch day, I've come home with several pieces of the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collection over the last few days, including the narrow shouldered blazer, oversized cashmere sweater, sock sweater, and pink candy wrapper clutch. There is still a ton of stock left at the stores I've stopped at (Century City, Beverly Center, Sunset), and they've even already marked down certain pieces like the horizontal dress and leather and suede jackets by 50% already. I'm happy that this collection wasn't as appealing to the mainstream; I was able to try on everything I wanted in my size, which is pretty unheard of with previous H&M guest designer collaborations. While I would have loved to have waited until the rest of the collection went on sale to get what I bought, I don't think my sizes will make it until then as these were amongst the last pieces in my size. Hard to say though; I hope I don't regret it as there is only a 7 day return window. I really like this collection in person; I'm impressed with the construction and details of the more tailored pieces and I like the whimsy and slight ridiculousness of the oversized pieces. I was really surprised to find not one, but two candy clutches at Beverly Center (bought one for N. as well), as they seemed to be the hit of the collection. Definitely a lot of unique looks (though sounds a bit like an oxymoron in connection with H&M). I find it a lot more inspired and more my style than last year's Versace collection. I like the exaggerated and menswear inspired shapes, as with +J (Jil Sander) and Uniqlo collaboration. I stuck with the separates from this collection, which are wearable, practical (sort of) everyday pieces, vs. Lanvin and Versace which were more cocktail / special occasion appropriate (opportunities to dress up are far and in between with an almost 6 month old). The other looks that I liked, but could wait until sale as they are not must haves, were the red hitched up dress, darted turtleneck sweater, darted pin stripe blazer (though I like the narrow-shouldered jacket more) and hitched up skirt. The horizontal dress, which was on sale, did not work for me at all; after 10 minutes of grappling with figuring out how to put it on, it was just way too much fabric for me. I was also bought but then returned the suede jacket, while it was a great price (on sale) for a suede jacket and had a cool silhouette, it just was too stiff and uncomfortable. As for sizing, it depended on the look; I preferred the size 2 / XS in the red hitched up dress, trompe l'oeil dress and oversized cashmere sweater, but went with the size 4 / S in the sock sweater and narrow-shoulder jacket. This is my favorite time of year to shop with the beginning of all the end of season sales. Happy shopping everyone!

update: the collection is now mostly 60% off. After a call to corporate, I was able to return the items that got marked down after a bit of a battle (even though I was within the return period). I had to go back the next day to rebuy as they would not allow a price adjustment or for me to repurchase the items at the sale price (total pain, I can't believe they would turn away a paying customer), and also picked up the darted sweater and trompe l'oeil dress on sale. I decided to skip the red hitched up dress as I have more than enough cocktail dresses. More pics later! Despite my aggravations with H&M and in particular the Century City store, I still really love all the pieces that I bought, and have already worn the oversized cashmere sweater and pink candy clutch out on the town.

update #2: final toll from the collection (mostly at significant discounts): leather drainpipe pants, dolly cardigan sweater, red hitched up dress, oversized cashmere sweater, darted sweater, sock sweater, narrow shouldered jacket, candy clutch, nude, red and black plexi invisible wedges, suede pattern cut jacket

MMM x H&M narrow shouldered jacket. I really like the cut, fabric and details of this blazer.

Same narrow shouldered blazer buttoned all the way up with the pink candy clutch. Nothing subtle about the clutch, ginormous, shiny and pink

MMM x H&M sock sweater. Yes, those are heels of socks at the shoulders and elbows. Hard to see all the details in this picture, but the various socks have different textures and patterns. Definitely a unique piece

On the wishlist for later (images from www.hm.com)