H&M commercials have been playing on TV in our area for some time now. With the closest H&M stores being in Houston and Dallas, the ads just seemed like a big ol’ tease. But now the ads will finally be justified! Girls (and maybe a few boys) all over Austin rejoiced this past weekend as news was released that an H&M store will be coming to the Domain in North Austin this fall. My sister’s reaction? “That’s good…Austin’s turning into a real city.”
Most big cities do already have H&Ms and the stores are continuing to expand across the country. If you’ve never been to an H&M, it’s an affordable trendy store that’s comparable to Forever 21 (which is already in the Domain.) There are two things though that I think separate H&M from Forever 21 and they are: quality and style. A few years ago I decided to basically swear off buying clothes at Forever 21. I now prefer to buy less clothes that are of better quality and I know will last for awhile. Plus, there’s something about shopping at a store called “Forever 21” when you’re past the age of 21 that just seems pathetic (especially when a lot of the clothes remind you of something you might have seen in a 16 and up club in Deep Ellum when you were 16.) The quality at H&M is at least one step above Forever 21 as the clothes just seem to be made better. Also, the style at H&M is a little more adult and less trashy. While I’m sure you can find trashy clothing at both retail stores, H&M seems to overall be the classier version.
Personally I was excited to hear of the news that we are getting an H&M. While I probably won’t shop there too often, it’s definitely a good option to grab some trendy clothing that you don’t feel a need investing too much money in. Yes it’s important that we shop locally as much as possible, and I also love the environmental effects of shopping vintage, but sometimes you have to mix in some modern trendy pieces into your look. H&M is also a great shopping option for men. Sometimes I truly wonder where guys shop in Austin, especially if you want something really affordable and modern. I think H&M will be a good addition to the shopping scene for the boys. What do you think?
Are you excited to get an H&M? Will H&M make Austin more stylish?
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish