One of my favorite things is when friends ask me to help them shop. Similarly, when someone asks for my opinion about whether or not they should buy something, I'm honest. After all, they didn't take the time to text me links for me to lie to them. When taking a peek at someone's shopping cart, I often find too many flash-in-the-pan, trendy items and too many similar items. So when a friend recently asked me for help narrowing down their H&M, Zara, and J.Crew carts, I knew exactly how to lend my services.
These three retailers make so many great things, but when brands have such a large inventory like these do, being picky is necessary. And luckily, I am. So, if you're wondering what I put in my friend's cart from each site, keep scrolling to find out and shop with us.
H&M
These sell out every summer, so you should probably get them now.
They look so expensive.
Something this pretty for under $50 is a small miracle.
Such a cool and easy way to wear the fringe trend.
You'll wear this so much—trust me.
This is *the* accessory trend everyone is wearing with swimsuits.
Ordering these in every color is seriously tempting.
This would look so chic with a slim black skirt or black cigarette pants.
I can't get over how elevated these look.
I like this so much better than my plain white midi skirts.
If you zoom in, you'll see that these are actually crocheted, so that $18 price point sounds even better.
Zara
The most essential of the summer wardrobe essentials.
Just add a pair of kitten-heel flip-flops.
It also comes in yellow and baby blue.
These pretty sandals will actually go with so many things.
This look so chic with flat sandals.
Four words: butter yellow suede jacket.
Most of the shorts like this that I've come across are four times the price.
Just a really good pair of summer pants.
For wearing with the aforementioned pants or denim.
As polished and elegant as denim shorts get.
This is the best pair of affordable peep-toe shoes I've seen.
J.Crew
The only reason I haven't ordered this myself yet is because I can't decide on a color.
The matching skirt is a must.
J.Crew bikinis are consistently great.
Shop the matching Ronnie Bikini Bottoms ($80).
Chocolate brown raffia bags are a rare find.
Just a great pair of linen pants.
The perfect year-round tee to pair with denim.
Our entire team of editors is freaking out over this skirt.
Everyone needs a chic little denim dress.
Such a cool, easy take on the track jacket trend.
I might have to order this one, too.
I predict these won't be in stock for much longer.
-
The '90s Dress and Shoe Pairing It Girls Are Wearing to Parties in East Hampton (Sorry Flip-Flops, You Weren't Invited)Classic elegance spotted at Gucci's star-studded soirée on Long Island.
-
If Adding Chic Items to Your Closet Is the Goal, These 30 StylishReplica Store Basics Will Do the TrickVersatile and elevated staples.
-
Spotted at Zara: 29 Amazing New Items That Basically Say "I'm Stylish"Everything from cool tops to pretty dresses.
-
If Younger Me Knew You Can Shop the Chicest Mall Brands Online She’d Be Impressed—30 Standouts From Gap, J.Crew, and Banana RepublicEffortless and affordable? Yes, please.
-
What You Should and Should Not Wear to Every Major Sporting EventFrom a Liberty game to the French Open.
-
Fall Is Already on My Mind—I'm Prepping My Wardrobe With These 31 ElevatedReplica Store FindsEach piece is chic and on sale.
-
Zara Is Serving Up Dreamy "Summer in Spain" Energy—These Are the Items I'm Buying FirstI'm transporting myself to Europe through my shopping cart.
-
J.Crew's Luxe Cashmere Is Finally on Sale—21 Top Picks That'll Definitely Sell OutScore up to 40% off on gorgeous deals.
-
Dripping in Wealth Is the Vibe—These 32 ElevatedReplica Store and Zara Summer Finds Fit the Bill PerfectlyUnder $200 and guaranteed to sell out.
-
Stop Attempting to Navigate Zara—I, an Expert, Dug Up All the New Items Worth BuyingTwenty-seven of them, to be exact.
