Pinterest

Isabel Marant pour H&M Review

Thursday 21 November 2013
IMhaul

Like many thousands who couldn't queue up the night before, I set my alarm for the morning of the Isabel Marant pour H&M launch, endured the morning madness that all mothers go through daily and girded my loins for the impossible task of acquiring a few pieces from the collection. Sure enough, the website staggered and groaned trying to withstand an avalanche of eager Isabel Marant fans and collapsed even before many of us could check out. Pathetic.

Having been through this laughable drama during the Lanvin collaboration, I decided to take the alternative and slightly more obsolete route - the telephone. Et voilà! Everything was still available but by then, I was shaking with nerves knowing that there were calls backing up. I hastily placed my order after desperately trying to dredge up that list of items in my cart before the website went kaput.

Fast forward a week later.....and tons of horror stories about the massively slow and inefficient delivery service..... I was coming back from a walk today when I saw an unfamiliar car on the street with a man poking a gadget with a stylus pen. Being the desperado that I am, I pounced on the poor fellow, made him dug around the boot of his car and success! My humongous package.

After that looooong spiel, here's the proper review that I meant to churn out on this blog. Like ALL Isabel Marant collections, the sizing is like the English weather. Inconsistent. The workmanship on the pieces I'd received was impressive. Sure, there were a few pulled thread etc but overall, I couldn't fault it. The garments were well made and so were the fabrics. I didn't think they were all too different from the Etoile collection and perhaps even the Mainline except that the prices do not induce heart attacks.

The beaded jacket is thick and luxurious. It's as well made as the highly desired Flana jacket from the Spring/Summer 2010 collection (correct me if I'm wrong). Now, this is where I went wrong. I thought that the European size 36 corresponds to a UK 8. Wrong. It was UK 10 and since I'd ordered from the U.K website, the jacket came up teeny tiny. The tuxedo blazer with satin lapels is actually heavy and fairly substantial. I was rather surprised to find out that it was made of 100% wool. The EU 36/UK10 was way too big on me. I could've done with 1 to 2 sizes down. Bummer.

Thankfully, having worn Isabel Marant sweatshirts for years, I was experienced enough to order a larger size. I was lucky to nab both the grey and burgundy and yes, they're pretty cropped. If given a second chance, I would've ordered 2 sizes up (EU 40/UK 14). I adore the brushed cotton interior, slimmer sleeves and narrower armholes which can be surprisingly hard to find. 

The white lace top was surprisingly flattering but then again, I'd ordered 2 sizes up (EU 40/ UK 14). The fabric is fairly thick too and nothing like the flimsy ones that I normally see in the stores. The EU 36/UK 10 reversible metallic bomber jacket made me look like a fake Mr Muscle. It was massive. It would definitely work on someone who normally wears UK 12-14/EU 40-42.

The one thing that I was dying to get my hands on was the sweat pants. Yes, yes.... the addiction hasn't waned on bit. I was severely disappointed. The cut was similar to the one I'd returned (due to a flaw in the fabric) which I'd adored dearly. However, the fabric is so thin. The cut is fabulous but thanks to the legging type material, they're plastered to my rather hefty thighs and ass as if they'd been glued on. I was silly to order a pair in EU 36/UK 8. Double bummer.


I'm planning to return both the metallic bomber jacket (EU 36/ UK 10) and black lace top (EU 38/ UK 12). Before I do so, let me know if you want to buy any of these. The price will be the same as retail (bomber jacket £79.99 and lace top £59.99) but please include an extra 3% for those who pay by Paypal. Postage will be extra.




33 comments:

  1. Marlene, thank you so much for this elaborate review! At least it would be safe to say that even with her collaboration Isabel Marant has been consistent in her inconsistency. :) By the way, I regret not getting that grey sweatshirt. Will be getting my wool blazer which I ordered online soon! Can't wait and hope that the sizing is okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOLOL! Couldn't stop laughing at your comment. Yup, IM is certainly consistently inconsistent with her sizing. I LOVE the grey sweatshirt. Thankfully, this order came through pretty quickly by H&M standards. I've got another 2 parcels for my daughter and goddaughter.

      Delete
  2. I managed to snag the metallic silver bomber in the dressing room (a feat unto itself) but it was way too puffy. Cute idea though - really wanted it to work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think a size 32 would've worked as it's really big. I'm just scratching my head about her sizing. It's all over the place!

      Delete
  3. Calling in was such a great idea! :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these pieces. Awesome review. I'd be interested to hear how this collab did in comparison to some of their others. Probably one of their most popular for sure.

    xTheresa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been waiting for any returns because I'd love to be able to swap a couple of things but nope. Nothing. Nada. So i guess the collaboration was a hit.

      Delete
  4. It's great to hear that the quality lived up to expectations - I had heard the sizing was erratic (mostly on the small size, particularly in some jackets and the leather pants) so I decided not to even attempt to get anything. Great review too! Is there anything else you wished you'd ordered?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually ordered the white linen top but when the online invoice came through, I found out that the H&M sales associate had ordered the lace top instead. Oh well. I'm not going to complain as I love the lace top.

      Delete
  5. Im glad that your liked your items! Im still waiting for mine but I ordered mine from the men section as i prefered the men collection than the other. Im terrified that they will be too small, urgh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just wished I had the foresight to check out the men's collection. I'd love to have the white turtleneck sweater. What did you buy?

      Delete
  6. I have a feeling that when everything eventually arrives ... it will all be going back. But thankfully, I didn't have to do any queuing or ringing or hanging online waiting to get through. We shall see. But thanks for the comprehensive review. It was so easy to get sucked in to the hype and I wasn't going to get anything.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love the lace top if still available? I tried to order off the us site but alas my cc was not accepted, even though I has changed my billing address :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Although I just noticed that the 14 fit you and I think I'm larger than you *sigh*

      Delete
    2. It's still available. It really depends on whether you want a loose or a well fitted look. Here are the measurements (measured flat and across in inches): shoulder 13.5" x chest 17.6" x length 27" x waist 15.5"

      Delete
  8. If the lady above (catssaymeow) doesn't want the black lace top, can I be 1st reserve please? x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I can't believe you were lucky enough to score some pieces and very clever to call the store. I gave up after 2 minutes online after about 2 minutes because the kids freak out if I ever try to do anything productive while they are awake. Bummer about the black top looks gorgy xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually phoned the call center. I've learned my lesson trying to buy online. It has never ever worked for me, not with H&M when it comes to collaborations.

      Delete
  10. Love that you ordered the sweatpants! Can't wait to see the beaded jacket on, I heard the quality for this collaboration was very high. Sad that I missed out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The sweatpants were the first on my list. Just wished the material's better :(

      Delete
  11. The sweatpants and sweat shirt and linen tee are high on my wish list. But alas, I came all the way to Singapore only a few days too late. Didn't even manage to touch anything! - I Ying

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for this comprehensive review, Marlene! I drove past the store on the day of the launch and the queue was quite daunting. Good to know that the white lace top passes your QC..lol! But if you wear a UK14, it runs really small!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I got the tux blazer in a 36 which I normally wear but I find it to big. I have the chance to meet up with a girl tomorrow to swop with a 34. But she only wants to meet if I'm sure that I wanna swop since she's got another girl interested. Should I go for it - you write that you also found the sizes way to large?

    ReplyDelete
  14. oh - could you answer me at trine_aaen@hotmail.com? THANKS!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looking to get the tux blazer off ebay. I'm usually a UK size 10, should I go for the tux in a size small ie. 8 or stick to 10?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Zoe, I'm so sorry, I've just realised I didn't even reply to your comment. I would suggest you go for the smaller size as they do come up rather big.

      Delete
  16. Mich hat die Kollekton von Isabel Maurant wieder einmal überzeugt und ich hoffe, dass es irgend wann wieder eine solch tolle Zusammenarbeit von denen gibt.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am definitely enjoying your website. You definitely have some great insight and great stories.
    men's leather jackets

    ReplyDelete


  18. Nice post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I take care of such information a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
    handmaid's tale pdf

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog. John Dutton Brown Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  20. A rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to heart-pounding moments. Best Anime like Gate

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...