Help me decide!
I bought a few things this week and found myself constantly debating between Zara and H&M. Although these stores are very different in terms of style and pricing, I can't help but find similarities between them as well! They both have a pretty extensive trenchcoat and blazer collection, but Zara seems to have better quality items at a higher price point. H&M is great because their size 2 almost always fits me perfectly, whereas Zara's XS is a tad too big for me. I think if Zara had a size 00 and XXS, I would be shopping there more often.
I've already made my decisions with the following items, but I'd like your input as well in case I missed any key points. Thank you all in advance! <3 (and sorry for the poor quality photos!)
Zara Kids Fur Waistcoat | $39.90 CAD
Left: Size L | Right: Size M
I had originally purchased this grey leopard fur vest, but I had my heart set on buying a brown one and didn't want to stray away from what I wanted. I love the grey one though! I fit a size L in the grey one, but a size M in the brown one above. These two vests are NOT the same (I wish I took pics of the grey one! Returned it though.). The brown vest has a hidden zipper closure, whereas the grey one has a hidden clasp closure. I returned this brown one because the collar was too high for my liking and the zipper closure just didn't feel right for me. If you're in the Toronto area, the Eaton Centre is all sold out of the brown one & I bought mine from Yorkdale, so call in advance if you want to put it on hold.
H&M Fur Waistcoat in size 2 (Why does the site say size 4-12?) | $34.95 CAD
The H&M one was just what I was looking for. The Eaton Centre is all sold out of it, but Yorkdale just restocked yesterday. I asked for mine before they even put it on the floor! This vest has a hidden clasp closure. The fur sort of resembles the fur collar I purchased last year (which is available in stores now in three different colours as well as a clip to hold it in place! Wish I had that.). According to the SAs, this item is extremely popular and gets sold out really quickly so I would call ahead to put it on hold.
Which fur waistcoat do you prefer?
Zara Kids Trench Coat | $49.90 CAD
Above: Size 13/14 | Below: Size 11/12
I'm still a little undecided between the two colours. I purchased the darker one because they had my size. The 11/12 for the lighter one was sold out! Size 13/14 was a little too wide for me and I felt more comfortable with the 11/12. It gives me enough room to wear a thick sweater underneath and isn't too tight. The buttons say "ZARA GIRL" on them, but they're barely noticeable. I love the checkered lining...it's a pretty mature pattern, which makes it seem less like a girls' coat.
Should I keep the dark brown or return it and get the lighter one?
Should I keep the dark brown or return it and get the lighter one?
Zara $29.90 | both H&M $29.95 (none are online)
Where is a pencil skirt supposed to sit? At the belly button or above it? I'm not sure if I'm wearing it too high or too low in the photos below. Let me know! : )
This Zara skirt in XS fits really tight, but the material is stretchy. I bought it without trying on and now I regret it because from the side view, it looks so tight that it's extremely indecent. Returning it asap.
Fellow Toronto blogger Petite in the City also bought this skirt, but in grey (which I couldn't find in stores). It comes with a detachable belt and has nice detailing at the waist. I am wearing a size 2.
Should I keep or return this?
The leather skirt above is a size 2. It has some stretchy material in the middle to prevent it from ripping since this skirt is both mini and super tight. I liked the zipper details, but I already have a leather skirt up for sale that I may end up keeping. What do you think?
Trench coats for under $100 -- Old Navy | ASOS | MICHAEL Michael Kors
Pencil skirts for under $50 -- BCBG | Banana Republic | LOFT
Leather mini skirts for under $100 -- BCBG | Black Halo | Ali Ro
Thank you for reading and I look forward to hearing your opinions! : )
25 COMMENTS:
I like the Zara waistcoat more, but I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I think it makes you look taller...?
September 8, 2011 4:53 PMRe: the trench, I think the lighter one's better, but only b/c I think it's more classic and can be worn in fall and spring (whereas the brown one seems more fall).
The middle skirt would be good for work, but it doesn't seem very "you" to me, if that makes any sense at all. I really like the leather skirt, but if you already have one, then keep the one you like best.
Heh, hope that was helpful. ;D
I like the Zara fur - maybe because of the cut of the piece and the lighter trench as well.
September 8, 2011 5:20 PMkatattack2000@wordpress.com
@questforfashionsense.com & katattack2000
Thank you both for your opinions! <3
I like the fur on the Zara one more because it's neater and feels softer. I really really dislike the zip closure though, which was why I returned it. I think the H&M one suits me better. : )
Elle (Fast Food & Fast Fashion) says she likes the lighter one as well. I think my bf likes it as well.. but he says the dark one looks just as good. I'm sooo undecided right now, but I have 30 days to think this purchase through. I will update you on which trench I end up getting/keeping! You are very right though - the ligher one seems more classic.
The pencil skirt isn't my everyday style, but I'm only on the hunt for them because I'll be job hunting soon and would like to build a mini professional wardrobe. : )
I'm stuck between my two leather skirts so I'm gonna wait on more opinions to decide! Thank you for your input, Michelle!!
i tried the kid's zara coat in the 11/12 and the 13/14 as well. 13/14 was too big on me, and the 11/12 was meh-ok. even with the belt, i thought it looked a little too boxy. it looked really good from behind though, hahah! i think it was the chest/armpit area that did not fit well on me.
September 8, 2011 7:45 PManyway, i'd return the brown and look for the lighter colour in 11/12. the brown reminds me of a detective coat. this is just personal preference, but i like the lighter colour a lot better!
i'd say return the skirt with the belt. looks a little too old and mature on you. i think you can find another that'd flatter you a lot better.
i love the trench coat, i think the light beige color looks a lot better on you as well.
September 8, 2011 9:52 PMI like the H&M fur vest out of all the vests. Keep the DARK trench coat. I just find that that colour looks better on you :) its warmer, perfect for fall. Keep the zara pencil skirt. It hugs your figure and looks really good. I wish I had waist and hips like that :P I LOVE the leather skirt!! Keep it please ^^
September 8, 2011 10:00 PMOh my...so much to say! Hands down the H & M fur vest- fits u way better than the Zara one and I like the length of the HM better too;)
September 8, 2011 11:44 PMDefinitiely the 11/12 size trench fits better so I say hold out for lighter color?
I happen to like the Zara pencil skirt and don't think it's too tight but it's all personal preference.
Return the HM pencil- doesn't fit right on you. In fact Used to love HM pencil skirts but now since fell out of love with them...lol I like that the waist fits tho:-)
Leather mini- HOT! But if u already have one- I say pass but it looks great on u:)
I like the Zara one...i think cuz the style is longer? if you understand what I mean..where the h&m one is cropped style almost.
September 9, 2011 1:24 AMI like the lighter colour trench. I have a trench thats in the darker colour...i find sometimes that colour looks weird with certain colours whereas lighter colours seem to match better....that's just my weird opinion lol.
i got to wear my h&m skirt this week to school! I'll post pics next week if i'm not crazy busy. i like mine (but not love), but after seeing your pics i remember why i didn't pick the black one, b/c i didn't like black belt on black skirt. but i had the same issue when i was wearing it, i wasn't sure where the belt should be located and i think i might be wearing it too low. I might go to zara and try the black one! its up to you for the h&m skirt, you still have time to hunt for the perfect professional looking pencil skirt!
and i like the leather skirt, keep it! :)
Hi! Thanks for posting this so I can see how kids size Zara fits on a petite person : ) I'm also petite so finding a jacket or coat with shoulders that are narrow is a bit difficult.
September 9, 2011 4:19 AMAnd to answer your questions:
I think the H&M fur coat sits better on you and the way the fur falls seems more natural and relaxed. It reminds me of those fur collars that most ppl attach around the shoulders of their trench coats and sweaters these days. It would be a great addition as it is a great layering piece. The one on the top looks more casual I would say and has a stiffer structure to it.
Zara Coat: I prefer the lighter color b/c it's a classic and you can't go wrong with a color that goes well with everything and works for all seasons. The darker one seems better for colder seasons like fall. BUT if you already have a lighter color, the dark one is something different.
Pencil Skirt: I agree to let that one go. Doesn't sit well on you.
Mini Leather Skirt: I say keep the one you already have. You save money plus that one is less trendy without the zippers and can be dressed up or down. But if you want two different styles and know this one won't end up in the back of your closet then I say go for it. : )
Hope that helps!
Daniellewww.mrschong.com
H&M coat: definitely the lighter color, but try finding a smaller size? are there no size 11/12 available in the lighter color?
September 9, 2011 7:42 AM(in fact, i like the way size 11/12 fits on you, that I'm going to hunt it down myself =D)
pencil skirt 1: too tight to be professional.
pencil skirt 2: looks a bit long (probably not for a petite girl), i think you're wearing it a bit high. it's supposed to sit at the belly button i think =/
browsing through extrapetite's blog, her pencil skirts are almost all tailored before it looks "wow". that's the plight of all petite girls :(
pencil skirt 3: i agree with daniel that leather skirts look better without the zipper.
nvm. i see that you wrote that size 11/12 was sold out, lol
September 9, 2011 8:49 AMZara fur coat ( the large actually looks a little better), beige trench and the first skirt looks gorgeous on you!! You have great taste :) xX
September 9, 2011 8:49 PMHellooooo, I've been a silent reader of your blog :p and I'm from Toronto as well! <3 your blog btw xD
September 9, 2011 10:58 PMOkayy so I'm not really sure about the fur vest so I can't give you any opinion about it :p. But for the trench coat, I do think the lighter color looks better on you. But since you said there is no more 11/12 size, I think darker one looks good as well. The 13/14 doesn't look as good as 11/12 in term of length, I think the 11/12 kinda lengthen your legs more, so I say~ go with the 11/12 darker coat! For the pencil skirt, I don't think you should keep it. I guess because of the pics, that the one from zara looks better on you, while the other one just doesn't look that good, but since you said the Zara one is pretty tight, I say don't keep both. The leather skirt looks really cute :) I think the one you bought looks better than the one you have in shop :D
H&M fur coat fits better.
September 9, 2011 11:08 PM2nd pencil skirt could use a bit more tapering at the bottom, but otherwise is fine. 1st skirt is def way too tight.
so was it you that asked for a twitpic of my "leather" skirt from H&M? I was going to that concert & was gonna wear it, but it was too cold in SF so I didn't wear it. It's very similar to this one. all "leather" tho and only 1 zipper down the front.
@a,
11/12 is alright if you wear thicker items underneath. I'm afraid the next size down might be a little too short for me. I might end up keeping the H&M skirt but hemming it. We'll see.
@Cinnabunnie
The Zara skirt looks really good from the front and back, but if you look at it from the side, you can tell that it's really tight. I don't like showing off my bum like that. LOL :P And sadly, I just returned the leather skirt yesterday. :( It just wasn't "wow" enough for me and I plan on keeping the skirt in my shop!
@Really Petite
Thanks Annie! I feel that the Zara one was longer than what I was looking for. Definitely returned that. And I think I found a lighter trench in that size. Looking forward to picking it up tmw or this week! The Zara pencil skirt looks really tight if you look at it from the side! The H&M pencil skirt fits me comfortably and isn't too tight on me. I'm still undecided on it, so we'll see!
@Petite in the City
Thank you for your input, Lor! I love both trench colours, but I guess it's more practical to have the lighter one because it seems to go with everything more. As for the H&M pencil skirt, I don't plan on wearing it with the black belt too often, if I keep it.
@Danielle
No problem, Danielle! Glad I could help a fellow petite out! :D I do prefer the roughed up fur on the H&M vest as opposed to the Zara one. The lighter trench seems to be the popular vote and I managed to track one down at a local Zara! :D And I just returned the leather skirt. Thank you for the input!
@michelle
I think you're from the Toronto area, right? : ) It sucks that we only have 4-5 Zaras in the city! One of them doesn't even have a kids section! Maybe if you keep calling once a week or so, someone would have returned a lighter trench. : ) Pencil skirt 2 - yes I realized I was wearing it too high after seeing my pics. I think I was just concentrating too hard on where I want the hem to hit that I raised the skirt too high! LOL
@Anhet
Aw thank you for the support, Anhet! Where in Toronto are you from? : ) Isn't it tough deciding between the two trenches? haha I think you're only about the second person so far to like the darker trench. :P I like it as well, but am pretty swayed by others' opinions on the lighter one - only because I now realize that the lighter one would match outfits better.
@AubreyOhDang!
I'm thinking of hemming the H&M skirt, so it might appear nire tapered after? I might still return it though. I don't think I've seen your leather skirt in stores yet (or maybe it's sold out), but I'll keep an eye out for it because I'm interested in the single zipper!
Ooh such cute items! Here are my votes:
September 10, 2011 11:10 PMH&M fur waistcoat
Light colored trench in smaller size
I like the H&M pencil skirt.
I think if you already have a leather skirt - I'd return unless the zippers are something you really love.
I think where a skirt should sit depends on your personal comfort level and also if you are short-torso'd (then you'd want it to sit lower) or long torso'd (you'd want it to sit higher, near your belly button). I think the first two look a bit high on you but the last skirt sits a little lower and looks better IMO. As for your question on hemming...I do think a tiny leftover slit looks funny, so I usually close mine, or pay extra to get it elongated. If the skirt is cut wide enough on the bottom so that you can still walk comfortably when the slit is closed, by all means close it...but the asos pencil dress for example, was cut so narrow that I couldn't walk if the slit was closed. But having it opened up more was so pricey - around $25 (including hem job). Hope this helps!
September 10, 2011 11:41 PMGreat post! I like the Zara fur vest better.
September 11, 2011 8:35 PMhttp://initialed.blogspot.com
I tried on the exact same Zara trench the other day in navy blue! I definitely agree about the 13-14 being more wide.. but the sleeves on the 11-12 are just a tad too short, :(.
September 12, 2011 4:49 PMI think I'll go check out the leather skirt, just for fun :) Good things happen when I buy the clothes you recommend! Like the little black dress at H&M with the pale pink ribbon ^^
September 12, 2011 7:43 PMabout the lighter colored coat, i did manage to find it in my size in toronto. but the lighter color is still pretty "sandy" - IMO. do you think it's darker than the typical classic burberry beige?
September 14, 2011 9:01 PMi think the brown one actually looks more fall-appropriate, and still fun =/
@Cinnabunnie
Yay! I hope you like the leather skirt! I returned it because I have one already. haha
@michelle
From what I've seen, I think the light Zara is just as light as the Burberry one, but I'm not sure. I just ordered the lighter one!
hmm i didn't know about the ordering at zara! Can we ask for specific items to be shipped to specific locations?
September 14, 2011 11:41 PMbut anyways, i'm glad you got it in your size =D
(i'm a size 11/12, on the top, but i'm a size 25, AE size 0-2 at the bottom =D)
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