This week' impending opening of H&M at Baybrook Mall has Houston-area shoppers excited and inspired — just take a look at our latest CulturePoll.
Last week, CultureMap asked readers to submit their favorite H&M outfits — now, five finalists are duking it out to see who wears their duds the chic-est. Each finalist in the contest will receive a $50 gift certificate, and the winner will get a $100 certificate and a 30-minute head start on the rest of the shoppers queuing up for the Thursday noon grand opening.
"Every time I travel in a city that has H&M, I always make it a point to visit the store," Tran said.
Finalist Melissa Piermarini always pairs her simple black H&M dress with statement accessories in similar shades.
Piermarini's "Sophisticated & Bold" ensemble — which she debuted at her 30th birthday party — was crafted from coral GoJane.com pumps, coral jewelry from Charming Charlie and a coral belt from Forever 21.
"I liked the earthy tones," she told CultureMap. Tan, who grew up shopping at an H&M store in London, looks forward to the affordable, classic looks that the Houston location will offer.
Fittingly entitled "Flirty & Sassy," finalist Marie Tran wore her pretty H&M dress on an anniversary date with her boyfriend.
"Every time I travel in a city that has H&M, I always make it a point to visit the store," Tran said. When a friend is the one traveling, Tran sends them with a list of must-haves to bring to her — or she does some Internet sleuthing for specific items on eBay.
But she will no longer have to resort to such desperate measures come Thursday, when the doors of Houston's first H&M will open at Baybrook.
So tell us: Who do you think wore it best?
