I try very hard not to buy things from H&M. It’s too easy, they fall to bits when washed and smell. They’re not special. It’s also all a bit of a moral moot point. NOBODY SAY SWEATSHOP!
But they do, so often, just do things so well.
For example, these new season joggers, which are a step on from the old tapered-leg “tailored” joggers, which didn’t really suit me. They are a homage of sorts to the Adidas Firebird tracksuit trousers, which are impossible to get hold of at the moment. Plus I think wearing actual Adidas branded stuff is too much. It’s for the kids, not for us.
But these trousers are excellent. Nice slippy flippy material, good length – very odd to be wearing trousers again that go all the way down to the floor – amusing racy red stripe down the side.
If the weather ever evens out I will be wearing these with a white shirt and some Arizona Birkenstocks. When it gets colder, with a grey or navy crew neck sweater.
Wearing them with a t-shirt and a pair of Stan Smiths gives entirely the wrong message. Just, you know, in case you were considering doing that.
Sizing: I am 5’6″ and a 10-12 and a size 10 fits me. If anything a teensy little bit snug at the waistband, but that’s being a fat old mum of 2 for you…
August 30, 2016 at 7:17 am
Size 10-12 and fat? I think not!
August 30, 2016 at 7:45 am
I love these and nearly bought a similar pair in Whistles last week. I was in France last week and saw them everywhere there too. Problem is I was not sure what to wear foot wise in the the winter with them as agree re Birkenstocks but too cold! I did consider Stan Smiths but maybe Im too old for that look X I tried to get my teenage girls to get some but they looked at me in disgust so this is maybe an older look
August 30, 2016 at 10:17 am
You’re not too old for Stan Smiths at all and they would work fine with these trousers as long as you’ve got a wool or cashmere sweater on top or a smartish shirt. Never a sweatshirt on top or anything too casual. Your teens probably didn’t like Stan Smiths because they’re just doing a different “thing” – teens are more into Nike Air Maxes or Doc Martens – or a lot are into Adidas Shelltoes right now.
August 30, 2016 at 10:29 am
I agree re the Stan Smiths and I do have some and I love them although they give me blisters if I walk too far in them! Sorry I digress. My kids love Stan Smiths but hated the trousers and they are quite trendy (the kids that is). They said they were “too keen!” You are right about addidas shell tops I should buy shares in them the amount I seem to buy for my 3 teenagers and my 13 year old recently had quite a big party at our house and they all wore shell tops literally every teenager here and there were about 40 of them!!!
Totally agree re Hennes comments they seem to have the same old crap they had when I was 15 (30 years ago) but the odd good thing. I have a velvet jacket from Primark which is Vintage and still looks good even though I dread to think how long ago I bought it. I shudder to think about the slave labour in that shop but which shops don’t use slave labour? Does anyone actually know? Be interesting to know and is something I should have found out about amongst other things.
August 30, 2016 at 8:19 am
Last year when this blog started I was pregnant – my bank balance has always feared the day when I could start taking advantage of your recommendations.
August 30, 2016 at 8:29 am
Hennes are an odd brand. Rails and rails of shiny cheap tat produced by poorly paid women and probably children too but every now and again they have something that looks and feels like it should come from a higher-end store. And like you, it compromised me. I have seven or eight cotton cardigans in greys, blacks, navy from Hennes and they are all at least seven years old. They haven’t stretched, pilled or shrunk yet they only cost me a tenner or less each. And I wear cardigans a LOT (Granny chic has always been my thing). My knitwear bearing labels such as Chloe, Bella Freud, Heimstone and APC have not lasted this long nor look as good. A conundrum.
August 30, 2016 at 8:39 am
But what trainers (sneakers? Don’t know the right word) when it gets colder?
PS I would love a post with musings on 41 year old women who should or should not grow out their grey hair
August 30, 2016 at 10:14 am
As long as your hair is in good condition and you go to the hairdresser regularly I don’t think colour is an issue
August 30, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Yes, loads of conditioner to combat the coarser grey hairs, and a very good haircut. I still can’t sort the latter; Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner, diluted 50:50 with water (ie in another bottle) deals with the former on my fine but plentiful greying hair.
August 30, 2016 at 9:53 am
I agree with The Millers Tale. Some of my most flattering trousers and long lasting jumpers/cardis are from H&M while 6 month old sweaters etc from Hush are too badly pilled for the charity shop. Will definitely give these a try.
August 30, 2016 at 10:53 am
If you want a change from Stan Smiths then Massimo Dutti has some super trainers which are a very European take on the trend and therefore very chic.
http://www.massimodutti.com/gb/women/shoes/trainers/white-plimsolls-c1703042p7364455.html?colorId=001&categoryNav=1703042
August 30, 2016 at 8:11 pm
These ARE beautiful but the white laces will go grey almost instantly :(
August 30, 2016 at 8:42 pm
yes but you can get white laces v cheap at John Lewis to replace!
August 30, 2016 at 11:28 am
Spot on with H&M – I go in for the kids and always come out with some crappy t shirts I know I’ll regret after a wash, but agree with posters above have some knitwear from years ago which is still in good nick and seems indestructible. I like this look; I am confident any “keenness” will be instantly diluted by my personality, but don’t know what trainers I want at the moment. Tried loads and can’t find any I like. Also cheered to know I am same height and size as you so don’t need to tailor any recommendations. Dislike real life shopping and ordering online is a minefield; I always have to order three of each thing and then mitigate the ensuing admin nightmare by making my husband take everything back. (If he divorces me it will be because of a return or awkward telephone call too many on my behalf)
August 31, 2016 at 10:21 am
sorry, hang on Cindy – your HUSBAND takes your returns back??? bagsy him please after Giles leaves me for a Croatian stripper….
September 1, 2016 at 12:32 pm
Yes it started because his office is opposite a large Next (well, if you squint a bit) and I’ve incrementally taken the piss in such a way that, like the frog in the pan of water analogy, he hasn’t really noticed until suddenly he’s being boiled alive at Zara customer services and it’s too late to jump out.