H&M

For those of you that live in or around the Denver-metro area, you must be aware that the announcement of an H&M store opening is a really huge deal. The announcement was first made in the spring of this year and the store opened its doors along Denver's 16th Street Mall yesterday at noon. Occupying the former Nike Town building, H&M Denver is the first store for Colorado; before, avid shoppers' closest location was in Arizona and going online to shop has never been an option.

It comes as no surprise to my friends and family that I would spend my Veteran's Day (no school) scouring the racks of the newest flagship store for the Swedish company.

H&M Flagship store Denver Pavilions 

My friend Emily picked me up at 9:15 this morning so we could arrive shortly after the store's 10 am opening. Built among two levels, H&M boasts a men's, junior's and kid's section, among piles and piles of women's lingerie, activewear, maternity, business and casual attire. After 2 hours of anxiously waiting in line and trying things on, I walked out with a few new goodies.

Navy/white striped l/s- $12.95 H&M

Beige sweater tights- $14.95 H&M

(Similar) beige and navy striped jersey l/s dress  $14.95 H&M

Cream ribbed legwarmers- $5.95 H&M

Emily left with an assortment of cable sweaters, solid basics and fun accessories such as:

Basic jersey tank dress- $12.95 H&M

Sequined jersey mini skirt- $19.95 H&M

For future reference, get there earlier rather than later to avoid 45 minute dressing room lines and crowds, especially if you're impatient. By getting there shortly after 10 and leaving there at 12:30, we avoided the mile long line guarded by 6 police officers that made its war around the building from the entrance. Though the store occupies the late Nike outlet store, the women's section is significantly smaller than I had anticipated, but does include sportswear, maternity clothes and juniors'. The salespeople are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere and layout are very welcoming. I would give it an 8 out of 10.