Review: Isabel Marant for H&M Collection

December 03, 2013

As the designer and high-street collaboration craze continues to smolder, I bought into the fanaticism that was the Isabel Marant for H&M collection last month.

I didn't have the luxury of time or patience to line up outside a store so waited for lunch time to roll around and made my purchase online (my preferred shopping medium).

I thought the collection was well sourced and the breadth of selection had something for every closet but the price points were somewhat prohibitive. The more intriguing pieces ran $99-$129 and I would've ordered the Jacket with Beaded Embroidery but for $399 I think I can find something similar from Isabel Marant's signature line for less.

 The only item I liked enough to keep at "premium" prices was the Lace Top in Natural White ($99). I would've loved it even more as a dress but thought the print was too unique to pass up.

 The top, which comes in numerical sizes from 2-12 and in black and white, is fitted (size 2 measured 16" across the bust) and sheer. On 5'2 me, it's a slightly awkward tunic length (~27").

I also ordered the Lace Top ($99) and Lace Dress ($129; pictured near the end of this post) in black but did not decide to keep either.
Lace Top | Size 2
Length: 27" | Bust: 16" | Sleeve Length: 21"
I bought this Wool Sweater ($129) for my mom because she likes unique (or just strange) textures but was taken aback by how bath rug-like the sweater looked in person.

Despite its appearance, it's very soft and warm; just more home decor than apparel. The fit is boxy and short. The size XS measures 20" in length.
Wool Sweater |  Size XS
I really wanted to love the Waxed Biker Jeans ($129) and ordered both colors to try but they were not flattering enough on me to keep. I thought the details--knee patches, front and back zips, pleated back, and waxed finish--toed the line of trendiness without being outlandish.

 The fit was subpar on me though. These jeans were baggy on me in the crotch and seat which are unforgivable as I imagine alterations on these pants are close to impossible (or just really expensive). 

Size 2's in both colors measure similarly at about 30.5 inches in total length, with 23" inseam, 13" waist, and 17.5" hip.
Waxed Biker Jeans | Size 2
While these Isabel Marant for H&M jeans were imperfect, I did develop a strange craving for red coated denim. I really like these options: Ralph Lauren, Burberry Brit, NYDJ, and Deign Lab. I recently ordered these coated jeans from Banana Republic and will review them at a later time.
Waxed Biker Jeans | Size 2

I really liked this Silk Dress in concept but thought it looked glitzy in person and resembled clubwear. I don't have an occasion for it and was neutral towards it so the decision to return was an easy one to make.
Silk Dress | Size 2
Most styles are sold out online but can still be found in some stores. If all else fails and you really love something, eBay prices are not particularly unreasonable, all things considered.

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