Michelle Williams in an H&M sun dress

Admittedly, I haven’t always been Michelle’s biggest fan (I find her singing voice annoying and wrote a scathing review of her 2002, debut gospel album), post DC she’s won me over with her bubbly, down-to-earth personality and dance music diva sonic makeover.

And if I were as tiny as Shelly (Awww, I like her so much now I’ve given her a nickname) I’d rock this animal print frock too.

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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There were also plenty of trendy hanbags for $5-10; my closet overruneth with totes, purses, clutches, and hobos, so I had to resist the urge. 

I’m not sure when the sale ends, so hurry to an H&M near you.

H&M Summer Sale

Image credit: H&M

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It’s a good thing the Tents are stocked with free Smart Water to keep you hydrated.  ”We’re like a herd of sheep,” I overhead one woman tell her friend and nodded in agreement.  

A model walks the runway in Terexov's cityscape dress.

This time I was in a disorderly queue for the Terexov presentation, which had a city sophisticate glamour feel to it.  Highlights included an art deco cityscape print silk dress (top photo), a sleeveless black silk treated chiffon dress with an amazing bustle (below photo), and a gold silk treated chiffon dress (last photo). I imagine Ivanka Trump or some other upper crust socialite buying these clothes.  I’ll wait for the knock-offs to hit H&M.

When given the opportunity, I like to snap my own photos, which often results in…interesting shots. Last night, I had a few happy accidents I thought I’d share.

Photo credit: Tracy E. Hopkins

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I certainly don’t need any more winter clothes, but I won’t be able to resist popping into a couple H&M stores in mid-town Manhattan before the sale ends.  After all, it’s a good time to stock up on winter staples and pick up Christmas gifts for next year.  So run, don’t walk to the H&M nearest you.

Image credit: H&M

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Attention hot mamas.  In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in a recession. And even though retailers are practically giving merchandise away thanks to deeply discounted sales, I’ve discovered a way to shop without spending a dime. How, you ask? By swapping clothes I no longer need or can’t fit with friends and swap groups.

On average, I go to about one or two clothing swaps a month and have an eclectic wardrobe to show for it (see the above You Tube video I did on a clothing swap in New York City). Through Meetup.com, Freecycle and other social organizations, the clothing swap trend has taken off in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other major cities, but you can host a swap anywhere.

Here are a few basic swap rules:

1) Like the golden rule, don’t bring clothes you wouldn’t want to receive. That means no dirty, stained or torn items. If you wouldn’t wear it, chances are no one else wants it.

2) To avoid swapper’s remorse, don’t bring items you can’t stand to part with. Only bring items you’re ready to give a new home.

3) Don’t expect the swap to be an even trade. Sometimes you will bring a bag of clothes, shoes, and accessories and leave with only one or two items. Other times, you may bring a little and come home with a lot.

4) Be patient. Swapping is like mining for buried treasure. I’ve found brand new clothing from H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy, and Banana Republic with the tags still attached. But you have to be willing to hang out for a while and wait for new people bearing fresh swap items.

5) Have fun. Swapping is a great way to meet like-minded fashionistas, double your wardrobe,  and promotes recycling, which is good for the environment. 

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