H&M Fitting Room Review: Conscious Collection 2012

After a filling Russian feast, courtesy of JJ's professor, my friend Sherraine and I went graduation dress-shopping at the mall. It has always confounded me why people even bother wearing pretty dresses underneath their (ugly) graduation gowns, since most of your pictures will be taken with the hefty things on. Our university's grad garb is a kind of jade green with black accents. We found our respective "yes"es at H&M. So here's a quick review of some things we tried on; sorry about the crummy phone pics.

1) H&M mint green vintage flare dress w/ nude belt (M), $30
This dress is the perfect spring colour and is made of a sturdy/thick yet soft cotton material. It flares out beautifully in the skirt part and comes with a skinny belt. The conservative shape will ensure comfort and propriety when the hot gown comes off (this thick material will still make it blazing hot). It's a bit roomy on me since it's a medium, but there were only 3 left in the store and this was the smallest. The belt was wayyyy too big so I grabbed the pencil skirt that had the same belt and swapped it out for a small belt (naughty, I know). Sherraine got the same dress but in a completely different print: grey with white polka dots with a light pink belt. It's super cute on her.
- Verdict: Purchased. Graduation, here I come!

2) H&M strapless eyelet white and peach dress (4), $20
I tried this one on first and it looks cute! The size 4 was a little tight on me and didn't zip up all the way in the back (almost there). I can't decide if I like the way the skirt poofs out but I have my beef with straplesses. They irk and you do the unsightly pull-up-on-your-bosom-every-3-minutes thing, which will be infinitely more awkward underneath a graduation gown. The price was enticing though. Image credit: hm.com/us/
- Verdict: Passed, reluctantly

3) H&M khaki trench cape (S), sale $20
You all know I have a thing for capes. Add a trench vibe to it and I'm sold, except since I lost my purse I only had enough on me to get what I came here for. The buttons are cute and cinch at the right places. Arm movement is a little hindered and the size Small feels a tad big. It's very light so basically useless in cold rainy Ohio days, but this would be nice raingear in Cali. Plus: looking like a flying squirrel every time you reach for something.
- Verdict: Passed, will probably go back for this

4) H&M cat eye sunglasses w/ snakeprint on inside, $10
See pic in today's outfit photo later. FINALLY cat eye sunnies that look nice on my face! It does provide an instant bitch-attitude boost, lovin' it.

5) H&M peach lace dress w/ back zip detail, $30
Something cool: the back of this lace peach dress intricately zips up at the side. You feel like you're folding origami every time you put this on and most likely you'll need a buddy to help you since there are 3 buttons on the left inner back. Unfortunately if you have any hips the skirt part will make you look prego so I didn't bother squeezing into it.

Readers - what did/would you wear underneath your graduation gown?