Grand Opening of H&M at the International Plaza Mall

There has been a lot of buzz circling around Tampa’s International Plaza Mall, as shoppers anxiously awaited the grand opening of the clothing store, H&M and H&M Kids. For individuals who have never been to H&M or even heard of it, it is easily defined as a store that gives you more “Bang for the buck!” This store has something for everyone and every budget. As stated on H&M’s Facebook Page:

“Offering fashion and quality at the best price, H&M offers a varied assortment for the entire family, including concepts for ladies, men, teenagers and children.”

Don’t get me wrong, customers will find pricier clothing articles throughout the store, but there is an abundance of selection for everyone’s budget and everyone’s different fashion styles.

Before I divulge on the grand opening I have to commend the H&M staff for how calm and collected they were with such chaos going on around them. Everyone I talked to was friendly and helpful, even with a huge crowd that was non-stop. I was able to speak with H&M representative Tony Everett, as he kindly took some time out of his big day to walk me through the kids store and tell me about some of the reasons why this store is so fantastic, and what it means for the Tampa Bay community.

When discussing what makes H&M a great place to shop for kids, Everett pointed out the unbeatable prices (one being an adorable girl’s holiday dress for only $10) as well as informing me that H&M has a “Basic & Conscious” clothing line. He stated “These items are made of 50 percent organic cotton blend,” and that, “ H&M is proud to be able to cater to the various lifestyles that their shoppers encompass.”

At the International Mall, H&M opened a kids store in addition to their regular store, providing clothing from babies to adults and to males and females. Everett explained that H&M is truly “A one stop shop for the entire family.”

As for what the opening of these affordable fashion stores means for Tampa Bay, Everett enlightened me by saying, “It means great things. The other day we had a special opening for the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay in which we were able to give them a catered, mini-shopping spree as well as donate $2,005 to their organization.” It was refreshing to see the genuine smile on his face as he spoke about that evening and the impact this store can have on our community.

Now onto the details about the grand opening and advice on how to attack this shopping spree with the least amount of stress possible:

Let me first say, if you plan on visiting the store this weekend, be prepared for lines. Lines to get in the store, to try on and to check out. If you absolutely cannot handle waiting in lines, I suggest holding off visiting the store until the weekend is over. Be advised though, the opening sales are WORTH THE WAIT! If you have even the littlest of patience, I encourage you to check it out before the weekend and sales are over.

Pros:

• $10 off purchases $50 and more coupons: People in line received this coupon, which allows shoppers to save a little (or buy a little more…). I am not sure if these will be available the whole weekend, but stapled to the receipts were also a $10 off gift card.

• Opening sales: H&M is already reasonably priced for the most part, and adding these sales on top is a shopper’s bank account dream! This is a great time to get holiday shopping done, because as stated before you can find something for everyone! Some of the sale highlights I saw were: $35 pencil skirts for $10, $35 sweater dresses for $15 and kid’s tops and dresses for $5-$10.

• A gracious return period: Why is something that every store has listed as a pro? Because you can skip the dressing room line, make your purchases and if they don’t work out, you have 30 days to return them (BIG time saver)!

Cons:

• Lines: After asking around most people said it took them about 20 minutes to get into the store. The check out lines seemed to take around the same amount of time (mid-day). Lines are expected at grand openings, so it seemed like most customers did not mind, and it was apparent that H&M did everything they could to speed it up.

• Temperature: If you go, wear layers or something breathable. This will not only help you try stuff on without going into the dressing room, but I assure you it gets a little toasty as the bodies fill up in there.

• Sales prices: Be careful when you choose the items that have the opening sales prices. Customers told me that items that were on sale racks did not always have the sales tag, and when rung up, they would sometimes register as the regular price. Before you walk away, be sure to check your receipt and make sure you are getting the sales price on the correct items.

Tips for Parents:

After speaking with multiple parents, it seems as though the key to staying sane during the grand opening weekend is to leave the kids at home. After seeing a few moms try to maneuver their way through the lines and crowds with strollers, I can confirm it does not look enjoyable for any party involved. So do yourself a favor and hire a babysitter for a few hours while you shop ‘til you drop!


For more information on H&M visit: http://www.hm.com/us/

Baby Boomers: The New 'Dress for Success' Rules

Forever 21 is a retail phenomenon among the younger set, but despite the trend of businesses catering to Baby Boomers, there's no Forever 51 or 61 for those of us trying to find presentable, affordable office fashions. At least such a store would help us figure out the new dress code.

So what's a Baby Boomer to do? How do we fit in without looking like fools? And where can we find fashions that suit our aging bodies and more-mature tastes? Read on for a primer on getting along without entirely giving in, or spending a fortune.

WOMEN

Totally Toned Physics
Even if you're a gym rat, Daisy Dukes and jeggings will make you look like a wannabee. It's possible to wear body-skimming clothes without looking like you're headed for the nightclub. Shop for tailored outfits that set off your best features without flaunting them. Well-cut fashions, including jeans, capris and tops, will look pulled together without screaming OLD!

Curvier Shapes
Us somewhat larger ladies have a much harder time walking the fine line between too tight and overly ample. Much plus-size clothing tends towards the frumpy, but select stores have long understood our need to look fashion forward while complementing any over abundance. Find free shipping codes for J. Jill and Coldwater Creek, two of my favorite size-friendly stores, and avoid paying for more than fashion.

Décolletage
In an effort to skimp on cloth and save money, many manufacturers are cutting tops so low you can see the Alps in one quick glance. Even Victoria's Secret has abandoned quality support in favor of skimpy Pink PJs. That's why I have a row of chemises in my closet. Such "underwear" allows me to fill in the gap while still wearing today's looks.

Granny Arms
Nothing gives our age away like that swaying under-bicep flesh. You can lift weights until you're blue in the face (literally) but, at a certain age, that skin just gives up. It doesn't help that manufacturers -- once again looking to reduce material costs -- feature almost nothing but cap sleeves.

Fortunately, lightweight cardigans with raglan sleeves are available everywhere, even big-box stores like Target. They're perfect for overly air conditioned offices yet have a youthful look. I've also found thrift shops have funky vintage tops and cute jackets with mid-length sleeves that give my basics a hip look. My present favorite is a man's seersucker jacket that looks great paired with everything from a gypsy skirt to yoga pants.

MEN

The Skinny on Jeans
I just love the hipster look; it's such a great reminder of the Beatnik era. But Boomer men look plain silly in stovepipe jeans. On the other hand, you also don't want to pull an Obama and wear mommy jeans hiked up to your waist. Here's where the tried and true help out. Levi's classics are always acceptable and stores like Lands' End and Eddie Bauer can fit you out in body-flattering jeans. Once you know your size, skip the stores and order online with free shipping offers from sites like FreeShipping.

The Upper Half
Boomer guys are lucky as they can get away with T-shirts and still fit into a relaxed office. Retro graphic Ts are particularly popular, but don't pull out your ragged Pink Floyd shirt that's worn thin. Save that for your next rock concert.

For slightly more formal offices, you can't go wrong with polo shirts. They look pulled together but still youthful. I've also noticed the upscale guys in Colorado -- a decidedly casual state -- wear dress shirts without ties, but they're always dry-cleaned with a super-sharp crease in the sleeve.

Suits
Save the suits for New York City and (some) job interviews. If you're heading to a more formal client meeting or conference, a casual sports jacket over chinos usually suffices. A blazer with jeans also has a nice finished flair.

Bellies
I really don’t want to see your done-lap disease. If your belly done lap over your belt, it's time to explore Hawaiian shirts or, if your office is super casual, XXL team jerseys and polos. Lucky you, however, as these styles can be found almost anywhere. Make sure any sports clothing comes from an authorized dealer, like College Jersey or the NFL Shop. Otherwise, you're ripping off your favorite teams and buying inferior products.

Footwear
Two no-nos: Bedazzled Crocs and sandals with socks (unless you work in a food coop). Otherwise, you're good to go.

Headwear
Some offices are so loosey-goosey you'll see hats indoors. While I think this fashion looks stupid on older men, a baseball cap worn with the bill facing forward is acceptable. And, although Mad Men lids are hotter than New Orleans during Jazz Fest, leave this fashion statement to the younger set and professional musicians.

Kate Forgach has written about senior issues for 11 years as a Cooperative Extension specialist and for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.

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