welcome to the Garden...

H&M released their new "garden collection" on the world yesterday and I am happy to report that it did not disappoint (although I'm sure I will be disappointed when everything sells out before I have the chance to snatch something up!) The line is made with environmentally adapted materials like recycled polyester, organic cotton, and organic linen which the company proudly boasts will "contribute to a more sustainable world". Whether or not you believe in going green, the cheap prices and soft fabrics are still enough to entice you to buy from the collection.

I have not had the chance to go to H&M yet to buy something (although I will report my findings on Saturday), but an employee friend has informed me that it is selling out fast! The collection itself is spring/summer 2010 so expect loads of florals, cute patterned summer dresses, light airy fabrics in white or tan, and a some of adorable shorts (think safari inspired khaki). Also I found there to be a lot of bright blue and bright red garments which just scream WEAR ME. The thing I like most about the collection is that it is not for the weak hearted or fashion scaredy cats. Most collections I've noticed are either too "blah" to bother wearing, or they just don't catch my eye enough. Most of the pieces in this collection however, are loud statement pieces (especially some of the more intensely coloured dresses) and must be worn very simply without a lot of accessories. Finally, a collection that actually makes me WANT to spend money (the prices I found extremely reasonable as well, some pieces I'd even be willing to spend more on!)

Here are some pieces so you can get an idea of the collection.

View the full collection at http://www.hmthegardencollection.com

white eyelet dress $24.95 USD

works as a beach coverup or a sweet dress

a crazy steal at $19.95 USD

also comes in bright blue for the more brave

functions as either a tunic or a dress $24.95 USD

unfortunately not all the pieces can be knockouts

pair extremely high waisted pants, a straw boater hat and gold strappy heels

floral corset $17.95 USD

definitely a statement piece, only for the fearless fashionista!

floral dress $19.95 USD

a mix of two floral patterns create a unique summer look

dress $17.95 USD

one of my favourite pieces, simple but perfect

capped sleeve dress $12.95 USD

be sure to wear with a simple top!

floral shorts $24.95 USD

another favorite of mine

blue overall dress $34.95 USD

somewhere-over-the-rainbow

The Marc Jacobs show was put on a live webcast on Monday, and of course my computer decided to mess with my emotions and deny me the privilege to watch it with the countless other die hards. Thankfully the site now has the show posted and up for viewing. So if you haven't seen it yet, I advise you to check it out.

The colors were neutral and the fabrics were moveable and fantastic, what more could you ask for from a line. The show opened up with Marc (looking dapper as ever in a black fitted suit) and his business partner Robert Duffy tearing off a brown paper sheet to reveal a simple box filled with models that perfectly displayed the exquisitely simple, yet complex (I know oxymoron much... but it's the only way to describe it) mixture of clothing that would make up the Marc Jacobs fall/winter 2010 line.

The remixed "over the rainbow" music began and the show started.

The very feminine three buttoned coats shown were fantastic... never have I wanted to tuck see hair tucked into a coat more. Every model that was wearing a coat (and even some of them wearing sweaters) had this done and it looked great. The coats weren't the only jackets that were well cut and tastefully simple, there was also the countless fur ones that were able to look nice while remaining big and fluffy looking as opposed to bulky.

Marc kept things consistent by having everywhere you looked you'd see a model wearing socks and some form of flats (man does that guy want to pair socks with everything... we all know of his love of socks and sandals, right?). The look made it the right amount of girly, and when it was combined with the defining piece of the fur capes, it added that little bit extra to many of the outfits.

I love belting shirts this way and the long skirt paired with the metallic looking oxfords and oversized neutral socks makes me squeal of joy... this is my favorite outfit of the ENTIRE show.

The cashmere sweaters (well I can only guess that they were cashmere... they looked it and Marc tends to use cashmere frequently for his sweaters) looked great and were very simplistic in style and color (they were left in neutral colors) and went nicely with the long skirts.

The three quarter length leather gloves that were shown are FABULOUS. I just cannot get those out of my head. What would you wear them with on a daily basis? Who knows and who cares with gloves that looked that great I'm sure I could find a way to wear them everyday.

All photo's are from NYmag blog, the cut