Tag archive for h&m

This month, I’ll be wearing the same Little Black Dress every day.

…say what!?

Yes, that’s right, the same dress.

The challenge – wear the same little black dress every day in February. The dress in question is a simple cotton one purchased from fast fashion retail giant H&M for the grand total of $14.95 CDN.

This undertaking is inspired by my friend Micol’s (re)action to consumerism, sweatshop labour and waste. In January she wore the same LBDD from Forever 21 everyday as a personal experiment and reaction to excessive consumerism in North America, among many other reasons as well.

My good friend Diana is also undertaking this challenge for February, unbeknownst to me when I decided to follow Micol’s lead.

Diana, Micol and I all met back in the early heydays of internet newsgroups on alt.gothic.fashion (yes we’re all recovering goths *cough*). It’s not a huge step out of our comfort zone to wear a black dress everyday, but the same one? That will be a completely different matter.

A.G.F was a fantastic newsgroup where we were constantly inspired and challenged with building and creating interesting wardrobes. There was a lot of DIY, vintage and thrifting to create looks but it was also an enabling nightmare. With bludgeoning internet retailers being discovered and shared with one another and the beginning of fast fashion making readily available even cheaper clothing that gelled with our alternative styles, it was bound to get out of control.

Years later, we’re all still suffering from shopping hangovers and overflowing wardrobes of beautiful and stunning impracticalities.

So when Micol started with her LBDD campaign, I decided to follow suit.

My reasons are similar to hers, and I’m under no illusion that this will change the world. It’s a personal challenge and reflection on the nature of my own consumerism.

My hope is that this LBDD month will help me in future be more thoughtful about my purchases, and that I’ll work towards supporting small business and individual artisans and crafts people instead of always looking for the cheapest deal. Because often the cheapest deal, is not the best deal for everyone concerned.

Photo credit: The very talented and wonderful Connie Tsang

It’s not often I get excited about the launch of a clothing line, but I’ll admit as of late H&M is certainly changing this.

With the recent release of their  Divided’s ‘Grey Concept’ line described as a “New Rock n Roll Concept – Rough cuts and gorgeous details”, it’s right up my alley. A perfect look with edge – grown up without compromising its style.

Featuring the lovely ombre haired Alice Dellal at the center of the campaign, the line is not unlike last years Trish Summerville ‘Dragon Tattoo’ range (which I also loved, and was able to pick up several pieces – though not *the coat*)

 “Youthful rebellion drives this collection. Mixing aesthetics across the board, a fabulous fusion of dishevelled grunge rock and garments to die for layered together to create a new edgy collection”

The Grey Concept is currently available in select stores (but not available online in Canada – boo!)

With really reasonably priced classic pieces this collection will certainly fly.

Photos From: H&M
Art Direction: Stina Daag