Could anything be better than going to sleep at night, all snug and safe in your bed, knowing that just down the road in Scottsdale a brand new H&M has opened up just for you and your shopping bliss, FINALLY??!!
Let’s just rewind for a moment to a time in late 2004, when your little Jenny-blogger was an even littler Jenny-blogger on her first trip to the amazing state of New York to visit her (then) fashion student cousin. On this pivotal trip we headed to the Midtown shopping district and there it was, like a man I was about to become soulmates with, H&M New York. Love is love, and when you know, you know. Three stories, that big red sign, and gaggles of girls better dressed than I emerging with that “I just bought the perfect outfit” glow upon them. I entered with trepidation, knowing full well that my measly shopping fund would probably only allow me a scarf in such a mecca, when I noticed a price tag. $29.95?
“Are they selling the coat hangers separately?” was my first thought. To my utter disbelief and unbridled joy, that was NOT a hanger price tag—it was a tag to an item! An entire article of clothing with perfect stitching and as trendy as Kate Moss herself, and it was $29.95! Thus ensued a shopping excursion people only pass down to their children through oral tradition, much like Greek mythology, on cold winter nights as times past. I left NY feeling so excited about this shop! The cutest clothing ever, the best prices, and just an internet click away from my closet!
But, as you all know, H&M didn’t have an online store. I kept looking and looking, but their website did not allow shopping! It only listed locations and the nearest ones were either Los Angeles or Las Vegas! I truly felt this must be an error so I called, and sure enough, they did not sell their clothing on the internet! To have those dresses listed in Cosmo, or even a pair of jeans tagged in some celeb paparazzi photo, I needed to get in my car and actually leave the state! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like it wouldn’t be worth the trip, but come on that’s seriously inconvenient!
Well, my friends, our time has come. Last month H&M opened their doors in Scottsdale and I was in that loooooooooooong line of girls with the same eager gleam in their eyes when those fateful doors opened. Although it was more crowded than New Orleans at Mardi Gras, it was all I had hoped for. Adorable pea coats for under $100? Check. Stacks of patterned tights? Check. A feeling that my prayers had finally been heard? Double check. It’s there, just waiting for you to come and enjoy the luster and affordability Arizona. We should count ourselves as the blessedly elite today.
by kimberlyjarman